Bodo/Glimt vs Sturm Graz
Back home dominance in the Arctic Circle
The first leg of this Champions League qualifier between Bodo/Glimt and Sturm Graz takes place at the Aspmyra Stadion in Norway on Wednesday evening.
Having reached the Europa League semi-finals, where they lost to eventual winners Spurs, Bodo are hoping to make history by reaching the UCL league stage for the first time in their history.
With a tricky second leg in Klagenfurt to follow, the Eliteserien outfit will be keen to ensure they take a healthy lead back to Austria.
Kjetil Knudsen's side have been in fantastic form domestically, and they have the advantage of being fully fit and in the groove of playing twice a week. They've won seven of their last eight and have netted 21 goals across their last seven matches in the Norwegian top flight.
They won six of their eight home games in the Europa League last season, beating Lazio, Twente, Olympiakos and Besiktas amongst others. They also scored 2+ goals in each of those clashes. Although it is unlikely to be sub-zero at the Aspmyra at this time of the year, it still isn't an easy place to visit, and Sturm Graz could find it tough.
The Austrian Bundesliga side are just three games into their domestic season, winning two of those matches. Last season, they lost all four away games in the Champions League, conceding 11 goals in the process. Otar Kiteishvili is the man to look out for with the attacking midfielder having already notched four times so far.
They are likely to struggle, but Bodo are far from watertight and are likely to concede.
Jack’s football journey began in the early 2000s at Bloomfield Road, sparking a lifelong passion for the EFL and beyond. With over a decade of writing and tipping experience, he delivers sharp insights and value-driven betting advice across football, darts, tennis, and horse racing.
When he’s not analysing stats, Jack is on commentary duty for Stoke City and occasionally heard at Owlerton Greyhound Stadium. Based in Leeds, he’s as reliable with a brew as he is with a bet.