BODO/GLIMT are looking to reach the Champions League group stage for the first time but they face a tricky hurdle in the play-off round against a Red Star Belgrade side with a proud European history.
The Norwegian champions have enjoyed plenty of European adventures in recent seasons but their most notable victories have come in the Europa League or Conference League.
Bodo/Glimt have only had two previous cracks at the Champions League and they came up short both times, bowing out Legia Warsaw then Dinamo Zagreb.
That loss to the Croats came in the play-off round and now they face another famous name from the former Yugoslavia at the same stage.
Red Star Belgrade ruled Europe back in 1991 and although they're no longer heavyweights, the Serbian giants have still reached the Champions League group stage three times since 2018.
They finished bottom of a section that included Manchester City, RB Leipzig and Young Boys last term so will be desperate to return to the top table for another crack at the big boys.
How the bookies view it: Norwegians homing in on glory
Bodo/Glimt are heavy favourites with home advantage in the first leg and Betfred price them at just 8/13. Red Star Belgrade are 18/5 outsiders and the draw pays 3/1.
Head to head: Who will take first blood?
These sides have never faced off before but Red Star Belgrade have a decent record against teams from Norway. They've won six of their nine games against Norwegian opposition and lost just twice.
Players to watch: Hogh heaven for Bodo/Glimt
Forward Kasper Hogh has been averaging almost a goal every two games for Bodo/Glimt this season and netted in their last European game against Jagiellonia. He looks their best bet for a goal once the scorer markets are priced up.
Brazilian Bruno Duarte has made a flying start to the Serbian season with four goals in his first five matches. The 28-year-old could be worth a punt at what I'd imagine will be decent odds for another strike in Norway.
Probable line-ups
Peter Olayinka went off at half-time in Red Star's last game but he was probably just being rested for this big European game after scoring two goals in the first half. Ulrik Saltnes and Brede Moe have sat out the last two for the Norwegians due to injury.
Bodo/Glimt: Haikin, Bjortuft, Gundersen, Bjorkan, Sjovold, Berg, Fet, Evjen, Hogh, Hauge, Maatta.
Red Star Belgrade: Ilic, Spajic, Djig, Seol Young-Woo, Mimovic, Ivanic, Hwang In-Beom, Olayinka, Rodriguez, Elsnik, Duarte.
Anything else catch the eye?
Red Star Belgrade have scored four times in four of their five outings this term and the other match ended in a 2-2 draw. With Bodo/Glimt also scoring four in their last three home games it bodes well for an entertaining game.
The only proviso is that first legs can often be cagey but combining BTTS and over 2.5 goals should pay off at 10/11 with Betfred. Going for over 3.5 match goals boosts the odds to 6/4.
It might take this tie a bit of time to warm up so backing most goals to come after the break appeals at evens.
This UEFA Champions League match between Bodo/Glimt and Red Star Belgrade will be played on Aug 20, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Bodo/Glimt vs Red Star Belgrade prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
