Bodø/Glimt v NEC Champions League Prediction

Is there still something to be gained for NEC in the far north of Norway? We certainly hope so, but it does look as though their Champions League adventure is coming to a premature end. Last week, the Nijmegen side suffered a 1–3 defeat against last season’s surprise package, leaving Dick Schreuder’s team’s Champions League campaign hanging by a thread. Yet there are always opportunities, even against Bodø/Glimt. We’ll tell you more about this match and give you the best Bodø/Glimt v NEC betting tips.

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Bodø/Glimt v NEC preview

Can a battered NEC still play a significant role in Scandinavia? Or will the Eredivisie’s third-placed side once again prove no match for the current leaders of the Norwegian Eliteserien? Here’s a brief look at both teams.

Current Form & Team News

Bodø/Glimt

Last week saw yet another confirmation that Bodø/Glimt has been transformed into a veritable footballing machine. Under the guidance of Kjetil Knutsen, the manager who has been at the helm for almost ten years, their play is well-organised and they are particularly quick to launch counter-attacks. Another factor in the Norwegians’ favour is the fact that they did not play in their domestic league last weekend. As a result, captain Patrick Berg and his team-mates are fully fit for the return leg against the Dutch side.

NEC

Last week’s 1–3 defeat hit hard in Gelderland. Of course, it’s far from a disgrace, but you’ve long had the feeling that there was more to be had. Someone like Tjaronn Chery missed a number of chances, which means the defeat – albeit a heavy one – feels somewhat flattered. NEC, too, were not in action this weekend. However, a large number of players – including Philippe Sandler, Ahmetcan Kaplan, Sami Ouaissa and Koki Ogawa – are still sidelined. There is also a question mark over Deveron Fonville’s availability. For everyone who supports NEC, the hope is that the Curaçao international will be fit in time.

Head-to-Head

Last week’s match at the Goffert was the first and only time these two teams have faced each other. It is clear that this gives the Norwegians the advantage. Although we all know that past results don’t mean all that much in the end.

Expected line-ups

Bodø/Glimt (4-3-3):

Haikin, Bjorkan, Aleesami, Bjortuft, Sjovold, Fet, Berg, Auklend, Hauge, Brynhildsen, Helmerson

NEC (3-4-2-1):

Crettaz, Kabar, Storm, Pereira, Bischoff, Lebreton, Nejasmic, Mor, Tadic, Chery, Linssen

Bodø/Glimt v NEC betting tips

Betting tip 1: Over 3.5 goals

Bodø/Glimt and the Champions League have so far been a guarantee of a thrilling spectacle. The Norwegians have played three very entertaining matches so far, with plenty of goals scored in two games against Belgian side Union St. Gilloise and one against NEC. In total, there were fifteen goals, an average of five goals per match. We reckon there’ll be at least four goals in Norway too. Betting on over 3.5 goals gives you odds of 1.80.

Betting tip 2: Goal by Ole Didrik Blomberg

One of Bodø/Glimt’s key players is Ole Didrik Blomberg. The 26-year-old striker has been involved in a goal in five of the last six matches and has, for example, scored in three of the last four home matches. For that reason, we believe the winger will find the net again against NEC. A goal from Ole Didrik Blomberg will earn you odds of 2.30.

Prediction: Bodø/Glimt v NEC

Final score: Bodø/Glimt 3–1 NEC
We reckon that, unfortunately for NEC, Bodø/Glimt are just a cut above them. However, as we’re expecting a very open match, we think another 3–1 win for the Norwegians is a very real possibility. Are you up for it?