By Ian King
Kind
Are we speaking about Europe or domestically, right here? As a result of Spurs have been the Jekyll and Hyde of the Premier League lately, shedding their final three in a row whereas conceding eleven objectives, but in addition placing in two of their most completed performances of the season of their quarter-final win in opposition to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Bodø/Glimt run to a unique schedule. As a result of Norway has a summer season league they’ve solely simply began their home season. The 2-time defending Eliteserien champions are presently second with three wins and a draw from their opening 4 matches.
Historical past makers
That is the primary time {that a} Norwegian membership has ever reached the semi-finals of a European competitors, however Bodø/Glimt’s document in opposition to English golf equipment is fairly unhealthy. They performed Arsenal in 2022/23 and misplaced twice, and performed Manchester United within the League Section of this yr’s match, shedding 3-2 at Outdated Trafford.
Spurs have a 100% document in opposition to Norwegian golf equipment in Europe. In 1972/73 they beat Lyn 12-3 on combination, and so they beat Tromsø 3-0 and 2-0 within the group stage of the 2013/14 Europa League.
Key Gamers
Excessive factors have been skinny on the bottom for Spurs this season, however the type of Dejan Kulusevski stays amongst them. He stays one of many keys to unlocking any opposing defence and has eight objectives and 6 assists in all competitions this season. Glimt’s fundamental aim menace is striker Kasper Høgh, who’s the joint-top goalscorer on this competitors with seven and has began their League season with 4 in 4 appearances.
Workforce Information
Spurs made eight modifications for his or her shellacking at Anfield on Sunday, and most will probably be returning. Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero ought to return to central defence, changing Ben Davies and Kevin Danso, whereas Rodrigo Bentancur will return to midfield. However Heung-min Son stays uncertain after having missed the final 4 matches and can sit this one out, with a return within the second leg wanting extra probably. They are going to be with out Radu Drăgușin, whereas Antonin Kinsky and Timo Werner usually are not registered for the knockout levels of this competitors.
Bodø/Glimt have Andreas Helmersen, captain Patrick Berg and Håkon Evjen suspended, whereas defender Odin Bjørtuft and winger Ole Blomberg had been injured final weekend and could also be lacking.
Prediction
The results of this match will come down as to if Spurs deliver their European or Premier League type into it. In the event that they play as they’ve in latest League matches, then a shock may very well be on the playing cards, but when they’ll replicate what they achieved in Frankfurt a few weeks in the past a win needs to be anticipated. Bodø/Glimt have had an excellent run to get this far on this competitors and have it in them to maintain themselves within the tie for the return match. 2-1 Spurs, so all to play for within the second leg.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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