Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt Preview

• Spurs to win
• Both teams to score

After suffering a humbling 5-1 defeat at Anfield in their latest Premier League outing, Tottenham Hotspur must regroup quickly as their season now hinges on success in the UEFA Europa League (UEL). Ange Postecoglou has led Spurs to just their second European semi-final this century, and memories of their iconic win over Ajax in 2019 will inspire belief they can reach the final in Bilbao.

Tottenham boast a perfect 4-0 record against Norwegian opposition, and they’re unbeaten in 19 consecutive European home games (W15, D4). Their run to the last four has been built on attacking flair balanced with improving defensive performances — they’ve conceded no more than once in any knockout leg so far, albeit keeping just one clean sheet.

Norwegian history-makers

Bodø/Glimt are already in uncharted waters as the first Norwegian club to reach a UEFA semi-final, but they’ve shown throughout this European campaign that they are not content with simply making up the numbers. After stunning Lazio in the quarter-finals, they now have their sights set on even greater glory.

Kjetil Knutsen’s side enter this tie as underdogs, but their blueprint is clear: contain away, dominate at home. All six of their UEL knockout stage games have been won by the home side, with Bodø scoring exactly once in each of their three away defeats. That trend suggests they’ll be aiming for damage limitation in North London.

European pedigree and tactical outlook

Spurs’ strength at home — both in Europe and domestically — makes them clear favourites for this first leg. Postecoglou’s men have found stability at the back in continental competition, and with Dominic Solanke continuing to score regularly on home turf, they’ll back themselves to take a healthy lead to Norway.

That said, Bodø/Glimt’s fearless style has troubled major sides before. Their run of scoring in 24 of their last 26 European games means Spurs’ backline cannot afford any lapses in concentration. A repeat of their resilient performance at Lazio’s Stadio Olimpico, albeit in a losing effort, will be the aim.

Players to watch

Dominic Solanke (Tottenham)

Spurs’ lone goalscorer at Anfield, Solanke has netted nine of his 13 goals this season at home.

His ability to find space and finish in tight areas could be key in breaking down a compact Norwegian defence.

Kasper Høgh (Bodø/Glimt)

Joint-top scorer in the Europa League with seven goals, the Dane is a constant threat and often comes alive after the interval — three of his last five UEL goals arrived in the second half.

Hot stat

Bodø/Glimt have scored in each of their last 12 European away games, underlining the threat they pose even on foreign soil.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Bodø/Glimt

With Spurs strong at home but often vulnerable to quick transitions, expect them to take a narrow lead into the second leg. Bodø/Glimt should find the net, but Solanke and co. may prove too strong in North London.

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Tottenham vs Bodø/Glimt | UEFA Europa League 2024/25