Tottenham Hotspur vs. Bodo/Glimt Tips and Odds – 01/05/2025

• Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodø/Glimt (UEFA Europa League Semi-Final, First Leg)
• Date: Thursday, 1 May 2025
• Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Match Preview

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium sets the stage for a historic UEFA Europa League semi-final as Spurs host Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt in the first leg. This is the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, and with a place in the final on the line, both teams will be desperate to seize the initiative before the return leg in Norway.

Tottenham arrive at this crucial fixture looking to bounce back from a bruising 5-1 defeat at Liverpool in the Premier League, a result that saw Ange Postecoglou rotate his squad with the European tie in mind. Prior to that, Spurs edged past Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League quarter-finals, showing resilience to secure a 2-1 aggregate win. However, their domestic form has been inconsistent, with recent losses to Nottingham Forest (1-2) and Chelsea (0-1) highlighting defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge up front. Injuries have played their part, with captain Son Heung-min a major doubt due to a persistent foot problem, and Radu Dragusin ruled out for the season with an ACL injury. James Maddison, who suffered a knock against Frankfurt, is expected to be available, providing a creative boost in midfield. There are no suspensions for Spurs in this tie.

Bodø/Glimt, meanwhile, are enjoying a remarkable European campaign. They became the first Norwegian club to reach a European semi-final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Lazio in the quarter-finals. Domestically, they are unbeaten in the opening rounds of the Eliteserien, boasting a perfect defensive record and sitting just two points off the top with a game in hand. However, their away form in Europe has been a concern, with all three knockout stage away matches ending in defeat, including a 3-1 loss at Lazio in the previous round. Their strength lies at home, so they will be keen to keep the tie alive ahead of the return leg at the Aspmyra Stadion.

The Norwegian side are not short of attacking threats. Kasper Høgh is joint top scorer in the Europa League with seven goals, while Jens Petter Hauge and Patrick Berg have been instrumental in creating chances, each with three assists in the competition. Bodø/Glimt’s collective spirit and tactical discipline under Kjetil Knutsen have made them a dangerous opponent, capable of springing surprises against more illustrious sides.

With Tottenham’s injury concerns and recent defensive lapses, the first leg could be more competitive than many expect. Spurs will look to take advantage of home comforts and Bodø/Glimt’s travel struggles, but must avoid complacency against a side that has already dispatched the likes of Lazio and Olympiacos on their way to the last four.

Key Players

• Tottenham Hotspur:
  • James Maddison: The creative heartbeat, crucial for unlocking Bodø/Glimt’s disciplined defense.
  • Dominic Solanke: Scored the decisive goal in Frankfurt and offers a physical presence up front.
• Bodø/Glimt:
  • Kasper Høgh: Prolific in Europe, his finishing will be key to any away goals.
  • Jens Petter Hauge: Creative winger with a knack for big moments.

Prediction

Tottenham will be eager to take a first-leg advantage back to Norway and should have enough quality, especially at home, to edge this encounter. However, Bodø/Glimt’s organized approach and attacking threat mean they cannot be underestimated. Expect Spurs to dominate possession and create chances, but Bodø/Glimt’s counter-attacking prowess could see them grab a crucial away goal. A narrow Tottenham win, perhaps 2-1, seems likely, setting up a tense second leg in Bodø.

Betting Markets

Odds are indicative and may vary. Please check the link for the latest prices.

Tottenham’s quest for European silverware faces a stern test from a fearless Bodø/Glimt side. With both teams eyeing history, expect a lively and unpredictable semi-final under the lights in North London.