Tottenham Hotspur will face Bodo/Glimt in a Champions League league phase match on Tuesday night in the Arctic Circle. This matchup is a repeat of last season’s Europa League semifinals, with Tottenham emerging as winners in both legs previously. The London club may feel relieved the game is scheduled for September, avoiding the harsher winter conditions of Norway.
Since their last encounter, Tottenham’s new manager, Thomas Frank, has instilled greater stability within the team. However, this has sometimes come at the expense of the team’s offensive sharpness, evidenced by their recent 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers and a narrow 1-0 victory over Villarreal in their Champions League opener. Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt is actively competing for the Norwegian title and started their Champions League journey with a 2-2 draw against Slavia Prague.
The match will take place at Aspmyra Stadion in Bodo, Norway, and can be streamed live on Paramount+. Betting odds for the game favor Tottenham slightly, with Bodo/Glimt at +210, a draw at +260, and Tottenham at +110.
Bodo/Glimt will face challenges with potential absences of key players like Daniel Bassi, Ulrik Saltnes, and Jostein Gundersen due to injuries. However, head coach Kjetil Knutsen remains optimistic about his team’s readiness despite these setbacks, saying, “We have faced Tottenham before and feel well prepared.” Their most likely starting lineup includes Nikita Haikin in goal and a mixture of experienced and young talents in outfield positions.
Tottenham, on the other hand, is grappling with injuries to their forward line. Randal Kolo Muani remains out due to a leg injury, and Dominic Solanke is recovering from surgery on his ankle. As a result, Richarlison is expected to lead the attack. Various players, such as Kota Takai, Ben Davies, and Yves Bissouma, have recently returned to training, offering more selection options for Frank.
The match is expected to be a challenge for both sides, with Tottenham likely to hold the edge given their squad depth and previous experiences. A closely contested game is predicted, with Tottenham potentially securing a 2-1 victory.