Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League Qualifying match.
The first leg in Norway ended 5:0, all but sealing Bodø/Glimt’s spot in the Champions League group stage. Even two forced first-half substitutions didn’t prevent Knutsen’s side from running riot. The return in Austria should be more about formality, though Sturm may be tempted to play with attacking freedom.
Sturm Graz
Despite the heavy defeat, Sturm weren’t completely toothless in Norway. They generated 0.78 xG and produced eight shots on target, but their finishing let them down. Coach Jürgen Säumel made substitutions to try and change the game, but none had an impact. The trip to Bodø/Glimt was also their fourth straight game to go over 2.5 goals, underlining a trend of high-scoring contests.
Bodø/Glimt
For Bodø/Glimt, this tie is the last step before their historic group-stage appearance — and there is no room for complacency. In the first leg they produced 2.02 xG, with former AC Milan and Eintracht Frankfurt player Jens Petter Hauge contributing two assists. Since 15 August, Knutsen’s men have delivered two straight 5:0 wins. Stretching further back, they have eight wins from their last nine matches, scoring two or more goals in all but three of them.
Sturm Graz vs Bodø/Glimt Prediction
Bookmakers see little between the sides in terms of who might win the second leg, with Sturm capable of grabbing a narrow victory at home. But the most reliable angle is goals: both teams are likely to produce chances, and the tie points to another open contest.
