Bodø/Glimt and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise meet in the Champions League at the Aspmyra Stadion. The winners will face either Olympiacos or NEC Nijmegen in the play-off round.
Bodø/Glimt targeting more European success without Høgh
The first leg produced a 3-3 thriller in Belgium. Bodø/Glimt twice led, but were ultimately happy to salvage a draw thanks to Odin Bjørtuft’s stoppage-time strike. Kjetil Knutsen’s team have since returned to action in the Norwegian Eliteserien, beating Vålerenga to remain top of the table after 17 games.
Having surprisingly made the round of 16 in last season's Champions League, Glimt are bidding to make more history. They’ll have to do so without star striker Kasper Høgh, who joined Celtic a fortnight ago. Ola Brynhildsen and Andreas Helmersen are now the main options up front.
Midfielder Håkon Evjen, who assisted twice in 12 European outings last term, is the most notable injury absentee for the hosts.
Bodø/Glimt predicted lineup vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (4-3-3): Haikin; Sjøvold, Bjørtuft, Gundersen, Bjørkan; Auklend, Berg, Fet; Blomberg, Helmersen, Hauge.
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise preparing for Khalaili departure
Reaching the lucrative league phase of the competition is also the objective for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. They have a major fitness doubt over key midfielder Adem Zorgane.
David Hubert opted to rest many of his regulars for the 5-1 weekend win over Westerlo. Darius Olaru was one of three players who came off the bench to score. He is set to return in an attacking midfield role in Norway.
With forward Anan Khalaili ready to join Crystal Palace, Raul Florucz and Promise David will lead the line. The latter struck 15 times in 37 appearances across all competitions last season, and has already netted twice this term.
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise predicted lineup vs Bodø/Glimt (3-4-1-2): Chambaere; Mac Allister, Sylla, Leysen; Patris, Schoofs, Van de Perre, Niang; Olaru; Florucz, David.
Bodø/Glimt vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise Prediction
- Safe Tip: Over 2.5 goals
- Odds: 1.4 (22Bet)
- Correct score prediction: Bodø/Glimt 4-2 Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
- 22Bet Booking Code: 4J32G
Key stats:
- Six of Bodø/Glimt’s last seven Champions League home fixtures produced three or more goals.
- The Norwegians scored three times in each of their previous three European home outings.
- Including friendlies, five of the past six Royale Union Saint-Gilloise matches finished with at least three goals.
Backing over 2.5 goals with a 22Bet bonus of up to 122 $/€ is the smart move. That bet has landed in each of the last nine Champions League games involving Bodø/Glimt. They favour an attacking style under Knutsen and will be chasing goals from the first whistle.
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise have averaged three goals per 90 minutes since the start of pre-season. However, they only managed one clean sheet during that period and were vulnerable defensively at times in the first leg.
Bodø/Glimt vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: Bodø/Glimt to win & Both teams to score
- Odds: 2.64 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: KR22G
Bodø/Glimt’s strong home record makes them the value pick to win a high-scoring contest. They’ve beaten Manchester City, Inter and Sporting in their past three Champions League fixtures at Aspmyra Stadion.
Knutsen’s men conceded in two of those matches. They will struggle to keep a clean sheet against a Royale Union Saint-Gilloise side who have netted at least once in six of their past seven European away trips.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals (1.4) — Bodø/Glimt 4-2 Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
