Manchester City embarks on a challenging trip to the Arctic Circle as they prepare to face Bodø/Glimt on Tuesday evening, marking the penultimate matchday of the Champions League group stage. Following a disappointing defeat to Manchester United in the derby, where they managed only one shot on target, the Cityzens find themselves seven points off the Premier League leaders and without a win in their last four league matches.
Despite their struggles in domestic play, Manchester City is in a strong position in the Champions League, needing just a victory against Bodø to secure their place in the round of 16, having amassed 13 points over their first six matches. Their recent 2–1 victory over Real Madrid reflects their strong performance in Europe, contrasting sharply with their league form.
Bodø/Glimt, on the other hand, are competing in their first Champions League campaign and have yet to secure a win, gathering only three points. While their performances have not translated into results, they have shown potential, especially at home. With City’s recent defensive vulnerabilities, Bodø may seize the opportunity to achieve a historic upset.
Coached by Kjetil Knutsen, the team is currently in the off-season following a second-place finish in the 2025 Eliteserien. The new league season will not commence until March, positioning them in a unique situation where they can play with fewer pressures in the Champions League. Key player Jens Petter Hauge, formerly of AC Milan, will be crucial for Bodø; he has scored three times in their campaign and will aim to exploit Man City’s defensive issues, especially in light of Matheus Nunes’s absence.
Kick-off for the match at Aspmyra Stadion in Bodø is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. GMT. The referee will be Sven Jablonski from Germany, with VAR managed by Robert Schröder.
Man City, dealing with a number of injuries including Bernardo Silva’s suspension, will look to key players like Erling Haaland to return to form. Haaland’s homecoming adds an interesting dynamic, as he seeks to break his drought in open play.
Predictions for the match lean towards a victory for City, despite the unique conditions presented by the astroturf pitch and extreme cold of Bodø. With the stakes high for both teams, this encounter is sure to deliver excitement and tension.
As both teams prepare for this crucial clash, it’s a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where even teams in seemingly different positions can produce memorable matches on any given day.