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Odin Bjortuft has said Bodo/Glimt's plastic pitch can have a huge say on Europa League semi-final as Tottenham Hotspur head to the Arctic Circle with a 3-1 lead

ODIN Bjortuft reckons Bodo/Glimt’s plastic pitch can derail Tottenham’s dream.

Spurs arrive in the Arctic Circle with a two-goal advantage but defender Bjortuft, who is set to return having been sidelined by a minor injury last week, says Ange Postecoglou’s team could struggle with the pace of their all-weather surface at the 8,000-capacity Aspmyra Stadion.

Bodo have won six of their seven home games in the competition and train on the pitch daily. And some Spurs stars may still be scarred by their previous experience of an artificial surface this season, when they needed extra-time to beat non-League Tamworth in the FA Cup.

“There’s no doubt it is an advantage for us,” Bjortuft said. “I don’t think a lot of teams are prepared for what’s coming. I think it's a combination [of things]. The ball goes really fast when you play passes and it's more difficult for defenders reaching attackers and getting contact with us. That's what we benefit from in these games.

“Of course, it's a big difference between artificial and grass in many ways but the main key is that the ball goes so fast. It may be harder to turn and everything for players that are not used to it.”

Bjortuft has added motivation because he grew up as a fan of likely final opponents Manchester United.

The centre-back regularly visited Old Trafford with his dad as a youngster and went to school “every day” wearing the club’s kit.

But having already had “an experience I’ll never forget” by playing at Old Trafford during the league phase - when Bodo led early on before losing 3-2 - the opportunity to battle Ruben Amorim’s side for major silverware would top the lot.

“It is pretty surreal. It’s quite fun to think about the little boy who wore a United kit to school every day.

“I’m really proud and grateful that we have reached this level and managed to achieve this stuff. This will be a big moment for my whole life. I'll remember this moment forever and I’m really grateful for it.

“For us Norwegians growing up we always watch English football, everyone does worldwide, so it’s special. But at the same time, we just have to treat it as a normal match. It may be hard, but I think we have cracked the code.”

A promise was made for no Premier League games to be scheduled the night before this season's FA Cup final but that has now been broken owing to Manchester United and Tottenham's European hopes

A promise not to schedule Premier League games the night before this month’s FA Cup final has been broken after Aston Villa's game against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United's visit to Chelsea were both moved. The decision comes so both Spurs and United can be allowed additional and equal rest before the Europa League final four days later, which both are hopeful of reaching thanks to first leg leads.

In a statement confirming changes to this season’s Cup, the FA said last year: “The Emirates FA Cup Final will now take place on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season, on an exclusive Saturday with no Premier League fixtures taking place on the same day.

“Additionally, there will be no Premier League games on the Friday night before the final, to allow focus on the build-up to the showpiece event.”

But Spurs’ visit to Villa, who are unhappy with the request for the game’s date to be changed, will now kick off at 7:30pm on Friday April 16, followed by Chelsea versus United at 8:15pm.

Crystal Palace and Manchester City only learnt of the kick-off time - 4.30pm - for their meeting at Wembley on Saturday following protracted negotiations involving broadcasters. Both Friday night games were initially set to take place alongside other Premier League matches on Sunday April 18.

And Villa’s director of football operations Damien Vidagany outlined their unhappiness in a post on social media. “Fixture changed and, honestly, not happy,” he wrote. “We really pushed to protect our fans (our main task and duty) and keep the Spurs match on Sunday. Nothing against Spurs.

"Considering the alternatives, (much worse on the Wednesday or Thursday) and the process conducted the final outcome is less damaging. At the end, it is what it is.

"Hopefully, in the future, all of them will remind us of the clear prejudice in this case to Villa fans and will be consistent and equally supportive, if we need changes to help us in Europe.”

Spurs lead Bodo/Glimt 3-1 following the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, while United won 3-0 away to Athletic Bilbao. Both return fixtures take place on Thursday night.

Chelsea are also set to progress to a European final having taken a 4-1 lead against Sweden's Djurgardens in the Conference League but that game does not take place until Wednesday, April 28.

Manchester United were scheduled to have 42 hours and 15 minutes more recovery time than Tottenham if both English clubs make it to the Europa League final on May 21

The Premier League have moved Tottenham's clash with Aston Villa forward by two days to give them more time to recover ahead of a potential Europa League final against Manchester United. Spurs were originally scheduled to travel to Villa Park at 2:15pm on Sunday May 18.

Meanwhile, United had been scheduled to play Chelsea away at 8pm on Friday May 16. Should both English clubs successfully navigate the second legs of their semi-final ties, United would've had 42 hours and 15 minutes more rest time compared to Spurs.

Tottenham released a statement on Sunday morning confirming that they were in 'discussions with the Premier League regarding a change in date to our away Premier League match against Aston Villa, currently scheduled for Sunday May 18'. Now the change has been confirmed.

Spurs will instead face Villa at 7:30pm on the Friday. United's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge has subsequently been given a new kick-off time of 8:15pm, with both matches to be shown on Sky Sports.

The reason why United and Chelsea were originally moved to play in Friday's fixture slot is because both clubs are involved in the Women's FA Cup final at Wembley on the Sunday. United's men are firm favourites to reach the Europa League final after taking a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg of their semi-final tie away to Athletic Bilbao last Thursday.

As for Tottenham, it's less straightforward. Ange Postecoglou's side lead Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt 3-1 on aggregate but must travel to the Arctic circle for a tricky-looking second leg this Thursday.

There's added pressure because of the fixture change, with the Premier League clearly anticipating an all-English final in Bilbao on Wednesday May 21. Postecoglou was asked about the potential disparity in recovery time ahead of Sunday's 1-1 draw at West Ham.

Will Tottenham reach the Europa League final? Give us your score prediction in the comments section.

"I haven't looked too deeply into it, I don't know what sort of precedence there is to it," the Spurs boss replied. "I know other leagues do it, which you kind of understand for a European final. I'll leave that to the powers that be and I'll concentrate on trying to get us there first of all."

Postecoglou added: " Bodo are there on merit. They beat Lazio, Olympiakos; they're tough teams. I'm from the other side of the world. It doesn't matter where you're from. We're going to treat them with the respect they deserve and give our best.

"Missing Patrick Berg is a loss for them but I think it's always been more about what they do as a team rather than individuals. They've sold a lot of players over the past five years but they've kept doing well."

Manchester United and Tottenham take on Athletic Bilbao and Bodo/Glimt respectively in their Europa League semi-finals on Thursday evening with a major rule-change set to play a major part in the game

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur face arguably the biggest games of their season on Thursday night. Ruben Amorim’s side take on Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-finals, while the North London side host Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the last four.

Given the wretched nature of their league seasons so far, it goes without saying that both sides will be aiming to build a considerable advantage ahead of next week’s second legs. But there is one thing that both United and Spurs cannot take advantage of - the away goals rule.

Prior to 2021, the away goals rule was implemented by UEFA into all European competitions. Effectively, it would see any side who scored more away goals over a two-legged tie advance if they were level.

But it was scrapped ahead of the 2021/22 season, meaning it will not be in force for either United or Spurs in their semi-finals. It means that if their ties are level, they will go to extra-time or penalties.

Announcing the decision, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: "The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of UEFA competitions since it was introduced in 1965.

"However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various UEFA meetings over the last few years. Although there was no unanimity of views, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders have questioned its fairness and have expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished.

"The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage.

"There is also criticism of the unfairness, especially in extra time, of obliging the home team to score twice when the away team has scored. It is fair to say that home advantage is nowadays no longer as significant as it once was.

Who will win the Europa League? Share your thoughts in the comments below

"Taking into consideration the consistency across Europe in terms of styles of play, and many different factors which have led to a decline in home advantage, the UEFA Executive Committee has taken the correct decision in adopting the view that it is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight than one scored at home.”

Should Spurs and United both progress, then they will meet each other in the Europa League final, which is set to take place in Bilbao later this month.

Why Tottenham’s Europa League semi-final opponents Bodo/Glimt have a slash in their name

Before Tottenham Hotspur's credentials are questioned by the football world, many fans are wondering why Bodo/Glimt have a slash in their name

A quick glance at the scoreboard and fans may be curious to see a slash in Bodo/Glimt's name. The Norwegian giants have once again punched above their weight in the Europa League this season.

They have already seen off Europa Conference League winners Olympiacos and overcame Lazio in a penalty shoot-out. Kjetil Knutsen's side will be looking to add Tottenham to their list of European scalps and will travel to north London for the first-leg of their semi-final clash.

Many fans will be wondering if Ange Postecoglou's side will have the stomach to deal with the pressure of facing the dangerous Nordics. The Europa League has been Tottenham's sanctuary this season, having lost 19 of their 34 Premier League matches this season.

But before the football world can turn their attention to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they may be curious as to why the Norwegian side have a slash within their team name.

The origins are grounded in northern Norway, in the town of Bodo which is believed to be home to just under 55,000 people - nearly 8,000 less than the stadium capacity of Spurs' home ground. Initially, the town football team was simply known as Glimt, which is 'Flash' when translated from Norwegian to English.

In the 1940s, another football team within the town formed and they referred to themselves with the same name. To try and alleviate the confusion, the team then changed their name to 'Bodo-Glimt'.

If anything, the hyphenation caused even more befuddlement, particularly when it came to newspaper readers and gamblers, who assumed 'Bodo-Glimt' was a match between two football teams, when they saw the team name in the paper listings and betting slips.

The football team decided it was time to say an abrupt goodbye to the hyphen and hello to the lesser used forward slash. Not long after, the official team name became 'Bodo/Glimt' as it is still referred to today.

They will be hoping to slash Tottenham's hopes of reaching the Europa League final by securing a constructive result in north London to take back to Bodo for the second-leg. In 2021, the Scandinavians left one former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho shell-shocked.

They destroyed the Special One's AS Roma side 6-1 in the Europa Conference League. As well as Mourinho, Knutsen has also emerged victorious in both matches he has had against Postecoglou.

In 2022, Bodo/Glimt did the double over Celtic in the Europa Conference League knockout-round play-off tie, destroying the Scots home and away with an impressive 5-1 aggregate score-line. A repeat would be disastrous for Postecoglou, who is believed to be on thin ice as a result of Tottenham's chastening form in the Premier League.

The Europa League is the Australian's lifeline, as victory in the competition would not only book Spurs a place in next season's Champions League, it will also see them win their first trophy since 2008. When asked about his opponents, he said: " Bodo are there on merit.

"They beat Lazio, Olympiacos. They're tough teams. I'm from the other side of the world. It doesn't matter where you're from. We're going to treat them with the respect they deserve and give our best."

Tottenham welcome Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday but Ange Postecoglou won't be able to call on captain Son Heung-min

Eight players could miss Tottenham and Bodo/Glimt's Europa League semi-final first leg on Thursday. Spurs welcome the Norwegian side to north London before the return leg in Bodo next Thursday.

The teams are battling it out to face either Athletic Bilbao or Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday, May 21. Coincidentally, the final will be played in Bilbao.

But Ange Postecoglou's men can't start thinking about visiting the Basque country until they're done with Bodo/Glimt. Tottenham will be depleted for Thursday's encounter, as captain Son Heung-min has been ruled out with a foot injury.

"No, he won't feature tomorrow night," Postecoglou confirmed at his pre-match news conference on Wednesday. "He's training, but he's still separate from the group. He is improving and hopefully we can get him back sooner rather than later."

The Spurs forward joins defender Radu Dragusin on the sidelines, with the Romanian ruled out for the rest of this season. But it's Bodo/Glimt who have most of the injury concerns.

During their quarter-final second leg away to Lazio, which they won on penalties, captain Patrick Berg and fellow central midfielder Hakon Evjen both picked up yellow cards. That means they're both suspended for Thursday's trip to the capital.

Striker Andreas Helmersen is also banned, having scored the crucial goal to force penalties against Lazio before he was sent off. Four days later, new signing Ole Blomberg had to come off after just 14 minutes during their clash with Molde.

The winger, who joined from Brann at the start of this year, left the stadium wearing a protective boot and missed Bodo/Glimt's next two games. Right-back Daniel Bassi forced off at half-time during their 5-1 cup win against Junkeren while centre-back Odin Bjortuft was taken off in the second half of their 3-0 victory over KFUM Oslo on Sunday.

Who'll reach the final - Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

Boss Kjetil Knutsen was asked about their injury concerns pre-match. "We're testing them today [Wednesday], either they are ready to play or be ready to be part of the squad," Knutsen told reporters. "If they aren't ready then someone else will play, that is football, you will have to [wait and] see."

Bodo/Glimt, who represent a town of just over 40,000 people, have enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past decade. During Knutsen's seven years in charge, they've been crowned Norwegian champions four times and will become the first team from Norway to play in a European semi-final.

Man Utd and Spurs fans face Europa League final nightmare with ONE-STAR hotels charging £800

Manchester United and Tottenham face tricky Europa League semi-finals on Thursday night but those already thinking about the final have been shocked by inflated prices for hotels

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur fans already looking towards the logistics for this month's Europa League final in Bilbao have been shocked to see even one-star hotels charging more than £800 per night.

The Premier League giants play the first legs of their semi-finals on Thursday night with United facing Athletic Club, whose San Mames stadium will host the final, and Spurs taking on Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt.

But those not worried about tempting fate and looking to cost up the trip for the decider on May 21 have been faced with nightmare prices as businesses look to cash in on what they hope is the arrival of two huge fanbases.

Among the more shocking elevated prices is the one-star Hotel Ria de Bilbao looking for £808 for a double room on the night of the match, while a series of three-star accommodations are currently being advertised for more than £1,000.

The Hotel Ilunion Bilbao, a three-star hotel half a mile from the city centre, is offering a twin room for £2,451 while two single beds in its hotel near the stadium is currently listed at £3,064.

A one-bedroom apartment at the four-star Batimont Suites is £3,900 and even a stay at the Moon Hostel Bio starts at £664. Many properties are at least offering free cancellation should a fan's team fail to reach the final - while prices will plummet if neither of the Premier League sides advance.

Travel is also set to be a nightmare with no direct flights from London or Manchester on the day of the game that will get fans to the stadium in time - though historically clubs and travel agencies will offer chartered planes.

Instead the most affordable options listed on Skyscanner involve long layovers in other airports or flights to alternative cities in Spain with lengthy transfers required.

United appear to face the more sterner test with Athletic Club having the extra motivation of hosting their own final, while Bodo/Glimt arrive in north London for their first leg against Spurs without six players due to suspension and injury.

The second legs take place next Thursday, ensuring there will be a rush to complete bookings with less than a fortnight until the final.

How to watch Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt: TV channel and Europa League semi-final kick-off time

Despite an atrocious Premier League season, Ange Postecoglou could land Tottenham Hotspur a spot in the Europa League final - but Norwegian upstarts Bodo/Glimt block the way

Against all the odds, Tottenham could put a poor Premier League campaign behind them as they host Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-finals. The north Londoners sit 16th in England's top flight but may yet qualify for next season's Champions League if the next 270 minutes (or more) go right in Europe.

Ange Postecoglou has had to weather a storm at the Spurs helm and is under immense pressure to deliver some optimism amid the gloom. And Thursday's opening leg at home to the Norwegian underdogs will go a long way to deciding how Tottenham's fan base looks back on this term.

But a place in the final is by no means a foregone conclusion, given that attack-minded Bodo have lost just one of their last nine games and knocked Lazio out in the last round of the competition. That was despite a 3-1 defeat in Rome, holding their nerve at the Stadio Olimpico to edge out the Eagles via a penalty shootout.

Spurs survived their own scare against Eintracht Frankfurt and advanced to the last four thanks to Dominic Solanke's decider in Germany last month. They've since lost two in a row, however. Here, Mirror Sport breaks down all the need-to-know information for Spurs' vitally important first leg tie.

When is Tottenham vs. Bodo/Glimt?

Tottenham will host Thursday's opening leg in what will be their maiden meeting with Bodo/Glimt, who are enjoying their best season in Europe to date. The Scandinavians previously ventured to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League in 2022 but were eventually knocked out by Roma.

Kick-off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is set for 8pm on what promises to be a warm evening, with temperatures of around 23 degrees forecast. And Postecoglou's side would be wise to make the most of home advantage while they have it, considering 'Gleam' haven't lost a home fixture since early November.

How to watch Tottenham vs. Bodo/Glimt

Fans in the United Kingdom can tune into TNT Sports 2 or TNT Sports Ultimate to catch the opening leg of Spurs' semi-final. However, coverage will get underway at 7pm for those looking to build up to the action.

Viewers can also live stream the match using the Discovery+ app. However, they'll require an active Discovery+ subscription in order to tune in.

Team News

Spurs captain Son Heung-min is a doubt for the visit of Bodo, having missed their last four matches due to a foot issue. Postecoglou made eight changes to his XI for Sunday's 5-1 defeat away to Premier League champions Liverpool, with the likes of Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven all expected to come back into the starting team.

Meanwhile, Kjetil Knutsen has no fewer than three players suspended for the trip to England's capital. Among those is captain Patrick Berg and Hakon Evjen, each of whom starred in the quarter-final second leg win at Lazio, having picked up too many yellow cards.

Also out of the running is Andreas Helmersen, who came off the bench to bag a critical goal in the 109th minute of that clash and level the score on aggregate to force penalties. However, his second booking and subsequent dismissal in the 120th minute in Rome means he'll have no part to play here.

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Ange Postecoglou has insisted Tottenham winning the Europa League will be a bigger achievement than Manchester United lifting the FA Cup last season. And the Spurs boss urged his players to seize the “unbelievable opportunity” before hosting Norwegian side Bodo Glimt in the semi-final first leg on Thursday night.

Erik ten Hag dodged the axe and was awarded a transfer extension last season after winning at Wembley but was still dismissed in October. The Aussie boss is facing the sack with his side down in 16th place after a shocking 19 Premier League defeats.

But they are also only three games away from a first European trophy in 41 years - and a return to the Champions League. “I'm really strong at the moment with these parallel worlds we're trying to traverse, and I've sensed that - and this is the way this club is perceived - that people are always trying to diminish it in some respects,” said Postecoglou.

“I've heard people say: ‘Well, it's the equivalent of Man United winning the FA Cup’. No, it ain't. I'm sorry, it's not on any planet the equivalent. Others are suggesting that maybe we're not worthy of the Champions League. Again, they're things that are designed there to diminish what's ahead of us, which is an unbelievable opportunity.

“Irrespective of how this season's gone we have generations of fans who want this more than anything else, to share again with the people that they love, a special moment, supporting their football club, so this season could have gone a lot differently and we could be flying in the league, but it wouldn't make this opportunity any different. The opportunity is the same.

"I've made that clear to the players. We're disappointed obviously with Sunday at Liverpool, we were nowhere near the level we needed to be, but again, that's something we need to deal with separately. What we have before us is a semi-final of a European competition with an opportunity to get to a final, win a trophy, Champions League football. I just think for the players and everyone involved at the football club, it's a brilliant opportunity.”

Tottenham won the UEFA Cup in 1984 when Liverpool won the league and Spurs manager Keith Burkinshaw left the club. “I just don't think that we can do anything other than really concentrate on an unbelievable opportunity we've got before us,” Postecoglou repeated.

“I just think irrespective of what kind of season you have, how often will you be in this position? History tells you not that often, irrespective of how strong you are as a club, even the strongest clubs in terms of Europe. So any thought of what's going to happen next year or what's going to happen this year I just don't think is really of any importance.

“I think you ask any Tottenham supporter what's furthermost in their mind right now, what's going to happen next year or us hopefully trying to get to a final in Europe and the opportunity to win some silverware, I think the answer would be just concentrate on the now and that's what I'm doing.”

Bodo Glimt, from a town of 42,00 people, are the first Norwegian men’s team to reach last four of major European club competition after beating Lazio on penalties. Postecoglou has already suffered a 5-1 defeat on aggregate defeat to Kjetil Knutsen’s side in a Europa Conference League playoff when he was the Celtic boss in February 2022.

“I think Bodo's there on merit,” added the Spurs boss. ‘They beat Lazio, they beat Olympiakos, tough teams. They're there because they're a good football team. Doesn't matter where you come from.

"That's what I love about the game, that's the beauty of football. Irrespective of where you come from, or the size of the place that you come from, if you're ambitious and if you have a clear plan, especially in our sport, you can create unique opportunities and create fantastic moments. I think that's what we love about the game, that's what we love about football. There's always been stories of clubs from smaller areas or small countries doing well in major competitions. That's always existed."

Tottenham Hotspur say a number of supporters have been banned because they were found to have sold tickets to Liverpool fans for the Anfield away end last weekend

Tottenham Hotspur say they have handed out indefinite bans to a number of supporters after Liverpool fans ended up buying tickets for the away end at Anfield so they could see Arne Slot’s team crowned Premier League champions.

A number of Reds supporters were blocked from entering the stadium while several others were ejected during the game by stewards and Spurs say in every case the match ticket they possessed was initially issued to one of their fans.

Spurs also say that before the game they made a number “targeted purchases from unofficial resale websites” to prevent further instances of Liverpool fans gaining access.

Spurs said in a statement: “The club has always been clear that the unauthorised resale of match tickets is strictly prohibited. This is considered an offence under our sanctions and banning policy, and we have already issued points deductions this season to individuals who have passed or resold away tickets to fellow Spurs fans.

“Forwarding away tickets to fans of the home team is considered a particularly serious offence as it creates uncomfortable and potentially unsafe environments for supporters who have purchased their tickets legitimately. It also undermines the integrity of our ticketing point system and brings the Club’s name into disrepute.

“As previously communicated, we operate a zero-tolerance approach towards ticket touting and all forms of unofficial ticket resale. We have therefore identified the supporters whose tickets were purchased from resale websites, and those whose tickets were found in possession of home fans, and will be issuing the following sanctions to each:

Immediate removal of season ticket

Cancellation of all match tickets – home and away – for the remainder of the 2024/25 season

Removal of all ticketing points

Indefinite club ban – to be reviewed after three years

"We have written to each supporter individually to confirm these sanctions.”

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust said: “We support the club’s efforts to crack down on ticket touting at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and for away tickets, where demand vastly outweighs supply. Selling or passing on tickets is unfair to fans who would otherwise have qualified for an away ticket or have been able to buy a home one.”

Spurs are gearing up to face Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday night, a tie that will decide the future of head coach Ange Postecoglou following a dismal domestic campaign.

But captain Heung-min Son is set to miss out because of an injury. He was not spotted at their open training session on Wednesday morning.