Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Europa League match.
Tottenham Hotspur, currently seen as the leading contenders to win the tournament, will host clear underdogs Bodø/Glimt in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. The Norwegian side’s presence at this stage is already a major upset.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur are the clear favourites heading into this clash, especially with home advantage. However, their recent heavy loss on Sunday raises valid questions about their ability to secure a win. To be fair, Liverpool — now just one win away from sealing the league title — represent a far greater challenge than the perennial champions of Norway. That match unfolded under unique circumstances. In the Europa League quarter-finals, the squad avoided collapse and conceded only once over two legs against Eintracht Frankfurt, a team averaging two goals per game in the Bundesliga. Still, fans of Tottenham Hotspur will be concerned by the team’s recent attacking output — they have scored more than once in just one of their last five matches. Even in that game, the two goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers were not enough to avoid a 2:4 defeat.
Bodø/Glimt
Bodø/Glimt, on the other hand, have emerged as the surprise package of the Europa League knockout rounds. They knocked out Lazio — winners of their group — on penalties after a 2:0 home win and a 1:3 away loss. While some may chalk it up to fortune, taking the tie to a shootout required real grit. Lazio forced extra time with a late second goal in the 93rd minute. In the round of 16, the team also suffered a narrow defeat in Athens but still progressed against Olympiacos.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodø/Glimt Prediction
Considering Tottenham Hotspur's current scoring difficulties, we do not expect them to win by more than a single goal. Our prediction supports the underdog with a favourable handicap.
