Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who be looking to secure a crucial first-leg advantage on Wednesday night, Bodo/Glimt will welcome Strum Graz to the Aspmyra Stadion.
Bodo/Glimt
Starting with the hosts, picking up some perfect momentum over the weekend as they stormed their way to a sensational 5-0 romp away at Stromsgodset, Bodo/Glimt are enjoying what has become a major purple patch. Currently at the heart of what is an enthralling Elitserien title battle with Viking, Kjetil Knutsen’s side should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Getting their Champions League qualifying adventure underway on Wednesday night, the Norwegian heavyweights have registered 22 points from their previous eight domestic appearances. Opening up August with a 3-1 victory against HamKam, Bodo/Glimt have also impressed with their free-scoring performances in the final third. Notching 49 goals in their 19 Elitserien matchups this season, they also open Wednesday’s first-leg battle pencilled in as a standout contender.
Bodo/Glimt Team News
Both still dealing with respective thigh issues, Bodo/Glimt will once again be without the duo of Jostein Maurstad Gundersen and new recruit Ole Blomberg on Wednesday night. Likewise, not featuring since the middle of May, veteran defender Brede Moe remains on the sidelines.
Notching an Elitserien brace against Stromsgodset last week and now notching 16 goals in his 19 top-flight appearances this season, the red-hot Kasper Hogh will play a leading role in the final third. Former Lens star Patrick Berg will start in the middle of the park.
Strum Graz
As for the visitors, making an immediate return to winning ways last weekend as they clinched a 3-1 victory away at Reid, Strum Graz will know the importance of producing a rugged performance on Wednesday night. Travelling over to Norway in midweek regarded as a real underdog contender, the Blacks have won three of their first four appearances across all competitions and they are more than capable of asking some real questions here. However, despite making real history last season as they successfully defended their Bundesliga crown, Wednesday’s guests are still searching for some defensive stability. Hit with a shock 2-1 defeat at home against SK Rapid earlier in the month, Strum Graz have registered just a trio of clean sheets from their previous 10 competitive appearances on either side of the summer break.
Strum Graz Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Strum Graz will travel over to Norway on Wednesday night without the trio of Alexandar Borkovic, Daniil Khudyakov and French starlet Axel Kayombo.
Bagging a Bundesliga brace against Ried over the weekend and now notching four goals in his previous three appearances, Georgian international Otar Kiteishvili will certainly play a leading role. Completing a loan switch from Italian outfit Fiorentina this summer, Oliver Christensen will start between the sticks here.
Key Factors to Consider
- Wednesday’s showdown at the Aspmyra Stadion will be the first competitive meeting between Bodo/Glimt and Strum Graz.
- Bodo/Glimt have registered 22 points from their previous eight Elitserien appearances.
- Strum Graz have recorded just a trio of clean sheets from any of their 10 appearances across all competitions continuing on from last season.
- Along with notching five goals in his previous three domestic appearances, the red-hot Kasper Hogh has registered 21 direct goal contributions in his 19 Elitserien outings this season.
- Bodo/Glimt’s last three domestic appearances have produced 11 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Putting in a rampant performance over the weekend as they cruised their way to a 5-0 romp against Stromsgodset, Bodo/Glimt will be seeking a repeat display here. Mustering 22 points from their previous eight domestic appearances, Wednesday’s hosts have also found a major clinical edge in the final third. Bagging 49 goals in their 19 Elitserien matchups this season, Knutsen’s side have also gained a reputation for their lively outcomes. With Bodo/Glimt seeing their previous three domestic showdowns producing 11 goals at both ends of the pitch, chances could come thick and fast.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
