Tottenham Hotspur will hope to find solace from a disappointing campaign when they host Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday.
Sitting in 16th place in the Premier League, it is fair to say that it has been a poor season for Ange Postecoglou’s men. Out of the FA Cup too, the Europa League represents their last chance of silverware this season. They will be looking to win their first European trophy in 41 years and their first trophy of any type in 17.
Standing in their way is a Bodo/Glimt side that sits second in the Norwegian Eliteserien. Their season has just started, but they are currently undefeated in four games, winning three of them.
TOTTENHAM VS BODO/GLIMT PREVIEW
This will be the first meeting between the two sides so there is no head-to-head form.
The Norwegians are doing well domestically, while Tottenham are on a three-match losing run in the Premier League. Their last result was a 5-1 mauling at the hands of Liverpool.
The Europa League has provided some joy though. Their only win in five games was against Eintracht Frankfurt in the last round and you would expect Bodo/Glimt to be a weaker proposition than the 2021/22 winners.
However, the Norwegians should not be underestimated. This is their first-ever appearance in the semi-finals of a major European competition, but they defeated Lazio in the last round. They clearly have the quality to cause Spurs some real problems.
Part of the reason for Tottenham’s defeat at Anfield was the resting of players with one eye on this fixture. Accordingly, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Dejan Kulusevski should all return to the side here. Rodrigo Bentancur should start too.
Postecoglou has said Heung-min Son is “touch and go” for this game, having missed the last three matches with a foot injury. If he misses out, he should return for next week’s second leg in Norway.
Defender Radu Dragusin still has a knee injury and so will sit out. Meanwhile, Antonin Kinsky and Timo Werner are not registered for the Europa League knockout stages.
Suspensions will really hurt Bodo/Glimt as captain Patrick Berg, Hakon Evjen and Andreas Helmersen are all out.
Centre-back Odin Bjortuft and winger Ole Blomberg will also miss the game through injury, forcing tactical changes across the pitch.
Top Scorer – Europa League
Nessun dato disponibile sui marcatori.TOTTENHAM VS BODO/GLIMT – PREDICTIONS
Tottenham Hotspur Win
Despite Tottenham’s poor league form, they were impressive against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League quarter-finals. A depleted Bodo/Glimt side shouldn’t present too many problems in north London.
Draw
Tottenham drew their home match against Frankfurt in the last round and the longer the game goes on without a goal, the more frustrated the home crowd may become. This could suit the Norwegians, who fancy their chances on their artificial pitch in the second leg.
Bodo/Glimt Win
Bodo/Glimt did beat Braga away in the group stage of this season’s Europa League, so they can perform on their travels. This was back in October though, with no wins on the road since. However, they were competitive at Old Trafford in November. They took a shock lead there, but went on to lose 3-2.
TOTTENHAM VS BODO/GLIMT – BETTING TIPS
Tottenham Hotspur Win
Ultimately, the Premier League side should be too strong, particularly as Bodo/Glimt are missing key players. Ange Postecoglou’s men know this is their only chance of winning silverware and qualifying for European football next season. Furthermore, they will relish the prospect of a potential Europa League final with Manchester United, another big club having a very poor season.
Both Teams To Score
Bodo/Glimt are not shy in front of goal, having scored in all of their last 12 Europa League matches. Spurs’ defence has conceded 56 goals in the Premier League this season and 11 in their last three games. It therefore wouldn’t surprise if the Norwegians grab a goal.
In Kasper Waarts Hogh, Bodo/Glimt have a marksman who has scored seven goals in 12 Europa League appearances. This sees him joint-top of the goal scoring charts with Olympiacos’ Ayoub El Kaabi in this season’s competition. Backing him to score may be another strong bet.
With 62 goals scored, Spurs are the fourth-highest scorers in the English top flight this season, despite their lowly position. I expect them to hit the back of the net here too.
HEAD-TO-HEAD AND KEY STATS
- Tottenham Hotspur and Bodo/Glimt have never played each other before.
- Tottenham have only won one match in the last five in all competitions. They have lost the last three in the Premier League, conceding 11 goals in the process.
- Bodo/Glimt go into this game undefeated in the Norwegian top flight after four games (W3 D1).
- Bodo/Glimt have not failed to score in any of their last 12 Europa League games.
