Having produced one of the most thrilling encounters last week, which kept us on the edge of our seats right up to the final minute, Bodo/Glimt welcome Union Saint-Gilloise for their Champions League return leg.
If you didn’t watch the match a week ago and just look at the statistics, you’ll see that the match didn’t actually offer the most entertaining football, but both teams were absolutely clinical in front of goal.
A total of seven shots on target for both teams, which, however, resulted in six goals. As we expected and predicted, there were goals at both ends and Glimt didn’t lose the match, although they had to come from behind in extra time.
Both teams won their home matches at the weekend, whilst at the same time resting key players, so the return leg promises plenty of action, although it’s hard to expect another six goals.
How the bookies view it: Bodo are a different beast at home
Union Saint-Gilloise had the home advantage a week ago, but the odds have now shifted significantly in the opposite direction, with Glimt now the clear favourites.
At the moment, you can back Bodo/Glimt at 13/20, whilst Union are available at 7/2. A draw is priced quite high this time around, also available at around 7/2.
Recent head-to-head: Inseparable after two clashes
We now have a bit more history between the two sides following that thrilling 3-3 draw a week ago. However, the fact remains that these teams have never beaten each other, as their first meeting two years ago also ended in a draw, although that match was a far more dull 0–0 affair.
Players to watch: Hauge must do better this time
In my analysis last week, I mentioned two players – Jens Hauge and Ole Blomberg – and chose to put my faith in Hauge. He had a rather poor game and was substituted at half-time, but I certainly expect him to shine in the return fixture in front of his home crowd, especially as he didn’t play a single minute against Valerenga at the weekend.
Blomberg scored one of the goals a week ago, and at the weekend he provided a key assist against Valerenga, playing the full 90 minutes. That’s why I’m favouring Hauge again, even though he was a let-down last time.
Apart from that match, he looks in brilliant form and will find the net sooner or later – and in my opinion, as early as Tuesday.
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Probable line-ups
Bodo/Glimt: Haikin, Sjoevold, Bjoertuft, Gundersen, Bjoerkan, Auklend, Berg, Fet, Blomberg, Brynhildsen, Hauge
Union Saint-Gilloise: Chambaere, Mac Allister, Sylla, Sykes, Khalaili, Schoofs, van de Perre, Smith, Florucs, Olaru, Fuseini
Anything else catch the eye?
Having seen what happened a week ago, I certainly reckon these are two fairly evenly matched sides, but when playing away at Bodo, there are other factors to consider, such as the artificial pitch and the stadium’s location.
If we look back at the previous edition of the tournament, even Manchester City, Inter Milan and Sporting lost away to Bodo/Glimt, and their form hasn’t changed since then.
I believe we’ll see another high-scoring encounter with goals at both ends, but this time Glimt will manage to win the match.
GambleAware