Written By: Kevin Mac, , Match Preview

BODO/GLIMT were European shock troops last season but face being on the wrong end of a major surprise as they host Linfield in the Champions League qualifiers.

An incredible 6-1 triumph over Roma in the Conference League group stage announced the Norwegian side as an exciting new force and they followed it up by knocking Celtic out of the same competition.

Having chalked up another domestic title, hopes were high that Kjetil Knudsen's men would blaze a trail all the way to the Champions League group stage in the new campaign.

But they started the Norwegian season poorly and almost fell at the first hurdle in Europe, scraping a 4-3 aggregate win over Faroese side Klaksvik after losing 3-1 in the second leg.

Bodo/Glimt followed that up by losing 1-0 in Belfast to Linfield, which ranks as one of the best results in the history of the Northern Irish champions.

If they can finish the job in Norway then David Healy's side will guarantee group stage football in Europe, with a place in the Conference League at least rubber-stamped.

Linfield have already seen off Welsh side The New Saints, winning 2-1 on aggregate, and have conceded just once in their three games so far this season.

If Healy's side can chalk up another clean sheet it will seal a famous triumph, although Bodo/Glimt found their shooting boots at the weekend as they crushed Jerv 5-0.

I tipped BTTS in that clash but Knutsen's side managed to keep it clean and they will be confident of turning things around against Linfield to keep their Champions League dream alive.

How the bookies view it

Despite their patchy domestic form and struggles in Europe this season, Bodo/Glimt are red-hot favourites to qualify at 1/6 with Unibet and just 1/9 with SBK for a win on the night.

Linfield are 11/2 with Betfair to reach the next round and a massive 40/1 at Ladbrokes for a win in Norway. A draw would also take them through and that pays 10/1 at SBK.

Head to head

That 1-0 win for Linfield last week (below) was the first meeting of these teams in European competition.

Players to watch

Amahl Pellegrino netted a weekend hat-trick against Jerv and should start here after coming off the bench in the first leg. The 32-year-old has 14 goals from just 15 appearances this term but the only price for anytime scorer I could find was just 13/25 at Unibet. That's terrible value so it might be wiser to back Victor Boniface at 3/4 after he netted a hat-trick at home against Klaksvik.

Robbie McDaid should lead the line for Linfield again but I can't find any individual prices for the Irish side. Unibet are offering 8/1 on any Linfield player scoring the opener and the same odds for last scorer.

Anything else catch the eye?

Bodo/Glimt's home form has been strong this season, with the Norwegian champions unbeaten at Aspmyra Stadion. They have won their last four at home, scoring 14 times in the process, so should have enough firepower to progress. But the odds on Bodo goals are poor with over 2.5 strikes paying just 8/13 at Bet365, although the price increases to 13/8 for over 3.5 home goals.

I'd expect Linfield to park the bus so backing most goals to come after the break appeals at evens with McBookie. The same firm also offer 6/4 on the second goal coming after 50 minutes.

The corner count could rack up if the Irish side do defend deep and Bet365 price over 11 corners at 6/5.

This match between Bodo/Glimt and Linfield will be played on Jul 27, 2022 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Bodo/Glimt vs Linfield prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.

Betting Tips and Predicitions
Most goals in second half
Evens
McBookie
Over 11 corners
6/5
Bet365

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