Bodø / Glimt vs Tottenham Hotspur

Bodø/Glimt’s first-ever UEFA Champions League group-stage match produced drama as the Norwegian champions battled back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Slavia Prague. It was a comeback of historic proportions, marking the first time the club – and indeed any Norwegian side since Molde in 1999 – had overturned such a deficit in the competition. Superlaget followed that game with another draw [1-1 against Rosenborg]. Now Kjetil Knutsen’s team faces an altogether tougher test against Tottenham, a club they know only too well. Spurs knocked Superlaget out in last season’s Europa League semi-finals with 3-1 and 2-0 wins before going on to lift the trophy against Manchester United. Glimt still boast an impressive home record in Europe – 10 wins from their last 12 continental fixtures [10W, 0D, 2L] – but one of those two defeats was against Spurs. They have also struggled badly against English opposition, losing all five of their previous encounters [0W, 0D, 5L], scoring just twice while conceding 13. Goals are never far away at the Aspmyra Stadion, with Superlaget netting three or more in 12 of their last 19 European home outings. However, they remain without long-serving midfielder Ulrik Saltnes, a key absentee in the centre of the pitch. A 4—3—3 formation is expected with Jens Petter Hauge, Kasper Høgh and Daniel Bassi forming a trident attack.

Tottenham arrive in Norway with confidence, despite being held 1-1 by Wolves in the Premier League at the weekend. That was just the second time this season the Lilywhites have dropped points when favoured, and Thomas Frank’s side have generally impressed, winning four of their six matches across all competitions [4D, 1D, 1L]. In Europe, Spurs are enjoying a fine run, losing just one of their last 13 games [8W, 4D, 1L]. History is firmly on their side too: Tottenham have won all six previous meetings with Norwegian clubs, scoring 22 goals and conceding only four. Their 2-0 victory in Bodø last May ended the hosts’ five-game winning run at home in Europe, and the Lilywhites are now looking to win three successive European away games for the first time since 2013. The visitors do have injury concerns, with Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani both doubtful after missing the weekend clash. Richarlison may start upfront in a 4—2—3—1 setup.