The Europa League semi-final second leg between Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur promises to be a captivating encounter, with Tottenham holding a 3-1 advantage from the first leg. Despite their struggles in domestic competitions, Tottenham's European form has been commendable, as they aim to secure a place in the final. Bodo/Glimt, making history as the first Norwegian team to reach this stage of a major European tournament, faces an uphill battle to overturn the deficit. Key players such as Patrick Berg and Håkon Evjen return from suspension, providing them with renewed hope . However, they must compensate for Gaute Vetti’s likely absence due to injury.
Kjetil Knutsen’s side have won 28 of their last 34 home games in all European competitions, and are on a five-game winning European home run with their last victory coming against Lazio.
Just hours before facing the Italian giants, the Bodo/Glimt pitch was buried in snow, but a combination of under-soil heating, snow ploughs and hard-working groundstaff saw the game go ahead.
But Lazio wish it had not, as they lost the quarter-final first leg 2-0 – the synthetic surface proving particularly problematic.
So how much does the artificial pitch really give the Norwegian champions the upper hand?
“There’s no doubt it is an advantage for us,” reveals Bodo/Glimt defender Odin Bjortuft, who missed the first leg in north London through injury.
Bodo/Glimt possible starting lineup: Haikin; Sjovold, Nielsen, Gundersen, Bjork; Evjen, Berg, Saltnes; Maatta, Hogh, Blomberg
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur, Kulusevski; Johnson, Solanke, Tel
In terms of predicted lineups, Tottenham may see the return of Son Heung-min while missing James Maddison due to injury (Custom). The match will be broadcasted on various platforms including TNT Sports 2 in the UK and Paramount+ in the US . As both teams prepare for this crucial fixture, fans are eager to witness whether Bodo/Glimt can pull off yet another upset or if Tottenham will maintain their lead and progress into the final.
Bodo/Glimt's strong home form will fuel their belief they can score against Tottenham's leaky defense, which has only one clean sheet in 15 games. Overturning a two-goal deficit may be too difficult, but despite likely nervy moments, Tottenham should ultimately secure their Europa League spot.
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