Exactly a week after their 3-1 win in the first leg in North London, the Lilywhites now travel to the Arctic Circle for what is unquestionably their most important fixture of the season so far. This is the second-last step in a gruelling European staircase, and reaching the top means glory, pride, and history.
How both teams go into Bodo/Glimt v Tottenham
Tottenham ended their three-game winless run with a 1-1 draw against West Ham on Sunday, in a match that was about as exciting as watching Mikel Arteta’s team hold on to a lead. The main objective was to avoid injuries and rotate the squad- and that was achieved.
Before that, there was of course the electrifying first leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Brennan Johnson got the opener inside 40 seconds, followed by strikes from James Maddison and Dominic Solanke. Although the visitors grabbed one back in the dying moments, the 3-1 scoreline preserved their unbeaten European home record – something to be proud of, regardless of domestic form.
As for Bodo/Glimt, they’ll be quietly pleased they were able to nick one away in North London, reducing the mountain they need to climb on Thursday. That goal was more than a consolation. It was a statement that they won’t go down without a fight. They’ve had a full week to prepare while Spurs had weekend duties, giving them both rest and the benefit of a tactical debrief.
Do Bodo/Glimt actually have that big of a home advantage?
Bodo/Glimt have only lost once in Europe this season, an impressive record given they’ve been underdogs more often than not. Many assumed there would be a yawning gulf in quality between them and their opponents, but reality hasn’t quite matched that assumption.
Much of their strength comes from the immense home advantage. Whether it’s the cold, their artificial pitch, or just the element of surprise, they make teams uncomfortable. But don’t buy too much into the Arctic hysteria. In fact, while writing this, there was only an 8-degree difference between the temperatures in London and Bodo, also checked just a couple of minutes before kickoff time.
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They’ve underperformed their xG just twice in Europe; against Qarabag and Twente. And as for the pitch, Tottenham have already played on artificial turf this season, in the 3-0 win over Tamworth. They struggled for long spells in that game, though Bodo’s surface should be an upgrade.
Tottenham team news
Tottenham will be without James Maddison, who might miss the rest of the season after limping off in the first leg. If that’s confirmed, he joins Lucas Bergvall on the sidelines for the remainder of the campaign.
Both Dominic Solanke and Heung-Min Son remain doubts. Updates are expected from Ange Postecoglou in his press conference later today.
Bodo/Glimt team news
The Norwegians were missing a few key names in the first leg. However, they are now bolstered by the returns of Andreas Helmersen, Patrick Berg and Hakon Evjen; all suspended last week. Defender Odin Bjortuft, who also missed out due to injury, faces a late fitness test. Daniel Bassi has resumed training, though there’s been no final word on his availability.
Predicted Tottenham lineup
Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Kulusevski, Bissouma, Bentancur, Johnson, Solanke, Tel
There’s little debate about the backline unless there’s a shock injury. Van de Ven might get a breather due to the dreaded artificial turf because Van de Ven and artificial turf don’t belong in the same sentence.
In midfield, Bentancur was rested entirely against West Ham, and the reason is self-explanatory. With Maddison out, Kulusevski becomes the creative linchpin.
And let’s not forget Bissouma, who was a monster the last time Spurs played on this kind of pitch. He was one of the very few who looked Premier League standard in that game. He was also solid in the first leg, so that’s two reasons why he’ll have his spot retained in the #6 role.
Odobert scored against West Ham in an effort to try and get Ange to start him in this fixture, but it’s unlikely he drops Johnson after his quickfire goal last week.
Richarlison might come in for Tel or for Solanke if he isn’t ready. But Richarlison + 90 minutes + turf = horror story.
Son could start on the left too over Tel if fit, independent of what the situation around Richarlison is, although that decision won’t sit well with many Tottenham fans.
Players to watch out for
Dejan Kulusevski: It’s shocking—and frankly frustrating—how quickly fans turn on him. With Maddison sidelined, this could be his redemption arc. Watch his pre-injury comps and tell me he’s not the man for the job. He’s had enough time after his injury, and something about this game feels like he’s going to pop up and shush his doubters.
Bissouma and Bentancur: Wondering why two names here? I wouldn’t have added either of their names if just one of them starts. But here it’s a case of “two negatives make a positive” and we’re here for it.
Ulrik Saltnes: The captain and the scorer of Bodo’s only goal in the first leg. By a mile, he looked much better than his teammates – but now he has his actual teammates back. Expect box runs, slick link-up play, and a desire to add salt to Spurs’ wounds (sorry, had to throw that one in).
Patrick Berg: Back from suspension, he has been the heart of the Norwegian side’s midfield for quite a while now. Bodo’s highest-rated player this season, without a single goal or assist. Bissouma will need to be glued to him.
Our prediction
More than the team itself, people are obsessing over the wind, the grass, the glaciers, the icebergs, and the penguins (which don’t exist in Bodo, by the way). These factors will still play a role but nowhere near what social media is making them out to be.
The last time Tottenham took a two-goal lead to the home stadium of a lesser-known European team? Call it that night of disaster in Croatia. Dinamo Zagreb came back from a 2–0 deficit in the round of 16s of the Europa League, winning the second leg 3–0. That result had a very big impact on the then manager Jose Mourinho’s future and he was eventually sacked less than a month later.
Not in a much different position is Ange Postecoglou in, albeit Mourinho’s team wasn’t 16th during that loss nor was it a European semi-final. The Tottenham boss will do anything to get his famous ‘I always win things in my second season’ quote tagged as one of the coldest in football history.
We’ll take a draw. But we’re predicting a win.
Predicted score: Bodo/Glimt 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur