Bodo/Glimt vs FC Zurich Match Analysis and Prediction

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Bodo/Glimt and FC Zurich will go head to head in Norway on Thursday, with both sides looking for their first win the Europa League group stage at the second time of asking.

While the hosts picked up an impressive point away at PSV Eindhoven in the first round of fixtures, their visitors were narrowly beaten by Arsenal.

After winning the Norwegian Eliteserien for the second successive time last seaso, Bodo/Glimt secured entry into the Champions League qualifying, and they begun by defeating KI Klaksvik in the first round before overturning a first-leg deficit to beat Linfield 8-1 on aggregate in their second leg.

A 6-1 thrashing of Zalgiris put them within one two-legged tie of the group stage of the Champions League, with Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb standing in their way, and Amahl Pellegrino gave Kjetil Knutsen’s side a one-goal lead heading into the away leg.

However, they lost that lead inside four minutes of the second leg, and despite Albert Gronbaek levelling the game in the 70th minute, they were forced to a period of extra time in which their opponents eventually prevailedwith two more goals.

As a result, they now find themselves in the Europa League group stage, and their campaign began with a tough trip to Eindhoven which ended in a 1-1 draw.

FC Zurich arrive hoping to claim their first win after fighting through several European qualifying rounds, having also started in Champions League qualifying.

Off the back of successive league defeats to a tough start to the domestic season, Zurich faced Premier League leaders Arsenal and would eventually lose by a 2-1 scoreline.

However, Franco Foda’s side should still draw some inspiration from that competitive display, and will now aim to bounce back and record a first three-point haul on their travels in Norway on Thursday.

Bodo/Glimt vs FC Zurich head to head

These two teams have not previously met on any occasion and this will be their first meeting in the Europa League group stages.

Bodo/Glimt latest home form

Bodo/Glimt were beaten 4-1 by Molde in their last home game in the league. However, they have recently been on a good run of form at home, as they have been unbeaten in their previous 12 games. In their last five matches, they have scored 16 goals and conceded six.

Bodo/Glimt 5-0 Zalgiris 03/08/22

Bodo/Glimt 7-0 Odd 06/08/22

Bodo/Glimt 1-0 Dinamo Zabreb 16/08/22

Bodo/Glimt 2-2 HamKam 20/08/22

Bodo/Glimt 1-4 Molde 03/09/22

Bodo/Glimt latest away form

Bodo/Glimt have recently failed to keep a good run of form on the road, having won just one of their four most recent matches. They were beaten 3-2 by Tromso in their last away game in league. In their last five matches, they have scored 10 goals and conceded nine.

Sarpsborg 08 1-4 Bodo/Glimt 12/08/22

Dinamo Zagreb (E)4-1 Bodo/Glimt 24/08/22

Jerv 0-2 Bodo/Glimt 27/08/22

PSV 1-1 Bodo/Glimt 08/09/22

Tromso 3-2 Bodo/Glimt 11/09/22

FC Zurich latest home form

FC Zurich have recently failed to keep a good run of form at home, having lost each of their three most recent matches. They lost 2-1 to Arsenal in their last home game in the Europa League. In their last five matches, they have scored nine goals and also conceded nine.

Zurich 3-0 Linfield 11/08/22

Zurich 2-1 Hearts 18/08/22

Zurich 2-4 Basel 28/08/22

Zurich 1-2 Lugano 03/09/22

Zurich 1-2 Arsenal 08/09/22

FC Zurich latest away form

FC Zurich were beaten 3-2 by Servette in their last away game in the league. However, they have recently been on a good run of form on the road, having been unbeaten in their previous four games. In their last five matches, they have scored 10 goals and conceded four.

Linfield 0-2 Zurich 04/08/22

Winterthur 1-1 Zurich 14/08/22

Cham 0-4 Zurich 21/08/22

Hearts 0-1 Zurich 25/08/22

Servette 3-2 Zurich 11/09/22

Bodo/Glimt news

Bodo/Glimt will be without Amahl Pellegrino, who has scored 23 goals and provided six assists in 26 appearances across Eliteserien and Champions League qualifying this season.

Runar Espejord will again be relied upon to lead the line, while Albert Gronbaek is set to offer hime support from the left wing.

FC Zurich news

Jonathan Okita was sent off in their league game against Servette last time out, but he is eligible to play in European football on Thursday, while Blerim Dzemaili and Ole Selnaes should start in midfield.

Adria Guerrero is set to operate on the opposite flank to Okita, although Fabian Rohner is pushing for a start.

Prediction and Odds

FC Zurich’s form so far this season is somewhat concerning, and while they preformed impressively against Arsenal, we find it difficult to back them for a win.

Bodo/Glimt have been superb playing on their home turf in European football, and we expect them to produce an impressive result on Thursday.

Odds: 1 2.22 X 2.05 2 2.30