FC Twente vs Bodo/Glimt Prediction

Thursday sees the Europa League play-off round commence, as 16 teams prepare to battle it out for the final eight spots in the last 16.

One of these battles sees Dutch side FC twente take on Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, who are currently in their off-season, and who have only played two competitive fixtures since the turn of the year.

Neither side have met before, meaning they will be preparing purely through analysis of other games, creating an “anything could happen” feel prior to kick-off.

As the first leg approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Key Statistics

• Twente are unbeaten in their last four games, and haven’t lost in any of their last three Europa League fixtures.
• Twente also boast the Eredivisie top scorer in Sem Steijn, who sits five goals clear of his nearest competition in 17.
• Bodo/Glimt will be nervous about the prospect of keeping Steijn quiet, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in seven matches.
• However, they finished above Twente in the league phase, and will be hoping to get one over them again here.

FC Twente Preview

FC Twente Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Lars Unnerstall (GK); Bas Kuipers, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Max Bruns, Bart van Rooij; Michal Sadilek, Michel Vlap; Sayfallah Ltaief, Sem Steijn, Daan Rots; Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

Despite their recent good form, little of Twente’s fortunes have come in the league, where they have failed to win in three attempts. However, now undefeated in Europa League games since November, Twente seem to have a growing affinity with the competition which they will look to draw from here.

Qualifying for the play-off round in the second lowest possible place, Joseph Oosting’s side can consider themselves relatively lucky to find themselves in the knockout stages. The Mads Rots single-handedly carried them through when it looked like they only had 15 minutes of their campaign left, coming up with the goods against Besiktas.

However, you cannot rely on luck to make through a two legged tie, and Twente will know they will need to up their level to make it through to the knockout round proper. They are the surprise underdogs for this fixtures, but don’t be fooled. Anyone with Sem Steijn in the side stands a more than reasonable chance of going deep in the competition.

Bodo/Glimt Preview

Bodo/Glimt Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Nikita Kaikin (GK);Fredrik Andre Bjorkan, Jostein Gundersen, Villads Nielsen, Fredrik Sjovold; Ulrik Saltnes, Patrick Berg, Hakon Evjen; Jens Petter Hauge, Kaspar Waarts Hogh, Isak Dybvik Maatta.

Despite lacking recognizable names or chart topping players, Bodo emerged from the league phase as the 10th best side, and the second best not to qualify automatically. Had they found the winner they were so desperately chasing against Nice in their last fixture, things could have been quite different.

However, now in the knowledge that they need to play an extra tie in order to join the League heavyweights in the last sixteen, Kjetil Knutsen and his squad will be preparing in earnest, readying themselves for what looks set to be a high-octane, breathless affair against Twente.

Twente’s position in the league phase belies their quality, and Bodo/Glimt will need to be wary of avoiding complacency, but with such a well organised squad and exciting way of playing, they should do enough to go into the second leg, based at their Aspmyra Stadion, as favourites.

FC Twente vs Bodo/Glimt Head to Head

As previously mentioned, this is the first ever meeting between the two sides. Both will be desperate to claim the first win over the other, and will know that their European hangs in the balance should they fail. Both will be highly motivated to assert their dominance.

FC Twente vs Bodo/Glimt Betting Tip

With two such exciting teams, this game is bound to have goals.

Twente have a very effective attack, and Bodo/Glimt are more than capable on the counter. We think a safe bet is to back over 3.5 goals, as both teams will be desperate to gain the upper hand ahead of the second leg.

FC Twente vs Bodo/Glimt Final Prediction

FC Twente 2-2 Bodo/Glimt

While there are bound to be goals, the sides are closely matched, and the score will reflect that. With a draw, Bodo/Glimt will head home for the second leg with a marginal upperhand, and will look to secure their place in the last 16 in front of their own fans.