Arsenal travel to Norway for their return leg with Bodo/Glimt as Mikel Arteta aims to continue the perfect start in Europe.
Bodo/Glimt will be bracing themselves for a tough clash against Arsenal as the two sides reconvene in Norway. Kjetil Knutsen’s men suffered a 3-0 defeat at the Emirates, which puts them in a tough spot ahead of the remaining two group-stage games.
Bodo/Glimt currently sit third, level on points with PSV, having played a game more than the Dutch giants. The Norwegians must finish in second place and progress into the next round or risk dropping down to the Conference League for a second consecutive season.
Having warmed up to the Arsenal clash with a 4-1 Eliteserien victory over Sandefjord, Bodo will be hoping for a positive result on home soil. Additionally, they will want the Gunners to beat PSV in their doubleheader to stand a chance of progressing.
Arsenal are one of the in-form teams on the continent and currently tops their Europa League group. Mikel Arteta engineered his side to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool on Sunday, which would have boosted their confidence even further ahead of their trip to Norway.
🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/SzAp7CuxRQ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 10, 2022
Arsenal were able to brush aside Bodo last week with a 3-0 scoreline. Goals from Eddie Nketiah, Rob Holding and Fabio Vieira sealed the victory. The Gunners will look to top the group, and earning three points will be their objective.
Arteta’s men still have four games to play in this group stages and will take on PSV next week in a rescheduled fixture. Arsenal remain on a good run of form and will be riding high on their terrific start to the campaign on all fronts.
Team News & Tactics
Bodo/Glimt
Knutsen has at least two possible absentees to contend with but will have a strong enough squad to face Arsenal. Sondre Fet and Gaute Hoberg Betti, with the duo suffering from knee and hip problems, will miss out on the action.
— FK Bodø/Glimt (@Glimt) October 12, 2022
Knutsen decided to bench Ulrik Saltnes and Runar Espejord for their league clash but eventually brought them, which helped Bodo turn the game around. The duo are expected to be named in the starting lineup.
Bodo are set to retain their 4-3-3 shape and field an attacking unit. They did have some success at the Emirates, particularly in the second half. Knutsen will be hoping his side continues their scoring spree at home, which has continued for 16 games running.
Probable lineup (4-3-3) – Haikin; Samsted, Hoibraten, Lode, Wembangomo; Vetlesen, Berg, Saltnes; Mvuka, Salvesen, Pellegrino
Arsenal
Arteta will once more make wholesale changes to his lineup after a physically gruelling victory over Liverpool on Sunday. The Spaniard will naturally bring many of his Europa League regulars to the fold, although the keen focus will be on who he retains from the Premier League game.
✅ Wednesday workout: complete
📍 London Colney pic.twitter.com/YRAqajE0AF
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 12, 2022
There are massive calls for Arteta to give Gabriel Martinelli, Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Magalhaes a breather after the trio have started every game this season. In the defence, Cedric Soares’ fitness is key. The right-back is expected to be fit and start against Bodo.
Takehiro Tomiyasu could play in Gabriel’s position and partner Rob Holding in central defence. With Oleksandr Zinchenko absent, Kieran Tierney is the preferred choice to play left-back. How Arteta rests Xhaka will be an interesting watch, as the only viable option right now is to play Martin Odegaard and Fabio Vieira alongside Sambi Lokonga in central midfield.
Arteta might be tempted to adopt the idea and give Xhaka a breather. In the attack, Gabriel Jesus may not travel to Norway after missing training today. Reiss Nelson could make his first start and replace Martinelli, while Marquinhos could be preferred on the right side.
Probable lineup (4-3-3) – Turner; Soares, Holding, Tomiyasu, Tierney; Vieira, Lokonga, Odegaard; Marquinhos, Nketiah, Nelson
Key Stats
- Bodo/Glimt have failed to keep clean sheets in eight consecutive games across all competitions.
- Bodo/Glimt have scored in each of their last 16 home games across all competitions.
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Bodoe/Glimt’s last 6 games in the Europa League.
- Arsenal have both their opening fixtures this season in the Europa League.
- Arsenal have won their last-5 games in all competitions.
Player to Watch
Kieran Tierney
The left-back was a surprise exclusion from the lineup against Liverpool. Arteta’s decision to field Tomiyasu at left-back paid dividends, but Tierney will be somewhat taken aback by the call. While the Scotsman is set to start in midweek, that game could also be a chance for him to shine thoroughly.
With Zinchenko showing brittleness with his fitness issues, Tierney will have to stake a claim on the left-back spot. Additionally, with that Tomiyasu display, Arteta has an additional option in the position. Still, the Scotland international will be keen to brush aside the notion and put in a seasoned display against Bodo.
Prediction
Bodo/Glimt 1-3 Arsenal
Bodo/Glimt have the home advantage and will likely host the Gunners on an artificial pitch, which some may take as an advantage for the home side. However, considering Arsenal’s current form and momentum, it isn’t easy to see any outcome other than a victory for the Premier League side.
Bodo have a formidable record of scoring in 16 consecutive games at home, which may continue with Arsenal’s visit. The Gunners are expected to make the best of the opportunity before the more difficult clash with PSV and score plenty to keep their place at the top of the group.
