Norway Tippeligaen – Bodo Glimt v Odd Preview (17/7/16)

Bodo Glimt preview

Bodo obtained a vital and morale boosting win away at Start last week (4-1). It’s true taking three points against the bottom side is nothing to write home about, but in the context of their season that could be a massive success. Bodo have come back from the summer break unbeaten, that victory last week adding to a 0-0 against Rosenborg. The northern outfit do have a habit of sometimes raising themselves against the better sides and they’ll have to do the same again here. Injury news is positive with only long term absentee Konradsen out, along with backup keeper Simon Thomas. It’s been awhile since Glimt tasted victory in front of their own fans and have already lost four times at Aspmyra this season. This is a surprise because it’s the sort of place nobody usually likes to visit.

Odd preview

The visitors have been going really well in the league and were given an unexpected boost on Saturday as Rosenborg succumbed to a late equaliser at Aalesund. A victory for Odd here in this match would now move them just one points behind the Trondheim club! However, the title challengers don’t exactly come into the fixture in ideal fashion. I did say last weekend that a build up of matches might affect them sooner rather than later. It feels like Odd have constantly played in the Europa League midweek for ages now. Finally, on Thursday it looked like things became too much when they lost 3-0 at Greek side Giannina. Odd were actually favourites with the bookies for that clash so it was very disappointing to lose so heavily. Only midfielder Jone Samuelsen is injured for them here, but considering their recent build up of matches there could be some tired legs. Maybe coach Fagermo is going to have to rotate in some fashion?

Conclusion & Betting analysis

Under normal circumstances, Odd probably wouldn’t be a bad bet here. They are the second best team in the league right now and a victory would put them right on the coat-tails of Rosenborg, so the incentive is high. But I do wonder what they have left in their tank after playing so many matches recently. Norwegian sides aren’t used to dealing with a cramped fixture list and it doesn’t help they travelled all the way to Greece on Thursday. Now they have to go well up north to Bodo, so mentally and physically a lot of players could struggle. Fagermo should really rotate certain players, but the reward for victory is so high that he must surely go with his best possible XI. I expect Odd to have quite a lot of possession here and Bodo to try and hit them on the break. I think there’s the potential of a low scoring affair, but after getting stung last week I have no intention of betting under 3 goals again in an Odd match! I’m finding it really really hard to give a prediction here, so I’ll say 1-1. But I say this with very little confidence, anything is possible.

Prediction: 1-1
Recommended bet: None