Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodo/Glimt: Europa League Match Preview

Tottenham operate in a 4-3-3 formation where Ange Postecoglou likes to deploy high pressing and quick transitions, with the creative side of things orchestrated by James Maddison. The likes of Heung-Min Son and Dominic Solanke are expected to act in the clinical zones. The North Londoners would like to target their Norwegian counterparts with passes between the lines and operating through the zones out wide to deliver the ball into the box. Spurs also have had defensive lapses throughout the season, and that could never be ruled out with how the current roster plays and given how the side has been inconsistent in maintaining possession under pressure.

Then comes Bodo; Kjetil Knutsen also operates in a primary 4-3-3 setting where he uses structured build-up to progress the ball while he likes to put certain weight on the wide zones. Over the years, he has created a strong team bonding who operate with a deep tactical discipline. He does rely on Kasper Høgh for the finishing side of things. And then, more importantly, they also have had defensive problems in the big games.

Basic tactical know-how that the teams would look to implement

For Tottenham and Ange, they would be looking to put the tie to bed in the first leg given how Bodo/Glimt has had vulnerabilities away from home, and the North Londoners would be looking to press high and maintain attacking pressure. The Premier League heavyweights would also be looking to use their physical advantage in set-pieces, given how their Norwegian opponents are susceptible to dead-ball situations. And then more importantly, they will have to maintain that defensive solidity to prevent conceding any away goals and giving Bodo any emotional boost or momentum.

This midweek, Bodo would be looking to focus on maintaining their defensive structure and absorb Tottenham’s attacks while utilising space on quick counter-attacks, given how their forward line is rapid. And they would be looking to go into that home tie on a draw or maybe one goal variance either way.

Team News

Tottenham are expecting a full squad, with Son facing a late fitness test and Radu Dragusin being the only absentee.

And Bodo has some key suspensions, given that all of Andreas Helmersen, Patrick Berg, and Hakon Evjen are unavailable for the game.

Prediction

Given how Ange’s side has been strong at home in Europe and how Bodo/Glimt have struggled on the road, the North Londoners will be favoured to secure a win in the first leg. That being said, Bodo have shown resilience and tactical discipline in their run to the semi-finals, and that should pose challenges.

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Bodo/Glimt