The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League semi-final between Tottenham (England) and Bodo/Glimt (Norway) will be held on May 1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Tottenham vs. Bodo/Glimt: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Tottenham
The London club has reached the semi-finals of a European competition for the second time in the 21st century. Recall that in the 2018/19 season, the English reached the Champions League final. Ange Postecoglou's side has suffered only one defeat in their last eight Europa League matches (4 wins and 3 draws). The loss came in the first leg against AZ Alkmaar in the Round of 16 (0-1), but Tottenham convincingly avenged it in the return leg (3-1). In the previous stage of this tournament, the Londoners faced Eintracht, who were defeated thanks to an away victory in the second leg (1-1 and 1-0).
- The Londoners are unbeaten in their last 13 home matches in this European competition (10 wins and 3 draws).
- Tottenham has kept a clean sheet in 8 of their last 11 Europa League home matches.
- The English side has opened the scoring in 12 of their last 13 home games in this tournament.
Defender Radu Dragusin is still recovering from injury. Forward Son Heung-min is doubtful for the match.
Predicted lineup for Tottenham (4-3-3)
Guglielmo Vicario – Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven – Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur – Mathys Tel, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke.
Bodo/Glimt
For the first time in history, a Norwegian team will play in the semi-finals of a European competition. Bodo/Glimt previously reached the quarter-finals once in the 2021/22 Conference League. In the current European season, Kjetil Knutsen's team has already passed three playoff stages, but only in the Round of 16 of the Europa League was everything decided within 180 minutes of play. They managed to overcome Olympiacos (3-0 and 1-2). In the knockout matches, the team needed extra time to deal with Twente (1-2 and 3-2, extra time 2-0). In the previous round, the Norwegians only advanced past Lazio on penalties (2-0, 0-2, extra time 1-1, penalties 3-2).
- No more than three goals were scored in regular time in 6 of Bodo/Glimt's last 7 Europa League matches.
- Both teams scored in 9 of Bodo/Glimt's last 12 games in this tournament over 90 minutes.
- The Scandinavians have scored in regular time in their last six away matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Bodo/Glimt (4-3-3)
Nikita Haikin – Fredrik Bjorkan, Fredrik Sjøvold, Jostein Gundersen, Odin Bjørtuft – Ulrik Saltnes, Patrick Berg, Hakon Evjen – Ole Blomberg, Kasper Heg, Jens Petter Hauge.
Due to suspension, midfielders Patrick Berg and Hakon Evjen, as well as forward Andreas Helmersen, will miss the match.
Referee
Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez (Spain)
Matches – 10 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 37;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.7;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 20;
Penalties – 10%.
Tottenham vs. Bodo/Glimt: Match Prediction
The Londoners have drawn an opponent with the lowest ranking among the clubs that reached the semi-final stage. Scandinavian teams rarely reach the late rounds of European competitions, so Bodo/Glimt's presence in the Europa League's top four is somewhat of a sensation. The Norwegians have advanced this far thanks to excellent home performances, winning their last five matches in this European competition. However, Bodo/Glimt often struggles away from home. This century, the club has played 13 away matches in the Europa League, winning only once.
The English side is well aware of the Scandinavians' strength at their home ground, so they will aim to secure a favorable result in the first leg. Tottenham has not lost at home in this European competition for nine years (10 wins and 3 draws). Moreover, the Londoners have won by two or more goals in 9 of their last 12 home matches in this tournament.
Tottenham had a disappointing season in the Premier League and has already focused its main efforts on the European competition, as winning it would secure a spot in the main round of the Champions League. It's also worth noting that the Norwegian championship is just gaining momentum, with Bodo/Glimt having played only four games in their national tournament. Considering all these factors, I propose the prediction: Tottenham with a handicap (-1.5)
