Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodo/Glimt: Match Preview, Latest Team News and Score Prediction | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodo/Glimt: Europa League Semi-Final Preview, Team News and Prediction

Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League campaign has become more than just a shot at silverware — it’s a lifeline. While their domestic season teeters on the edge of irrelevance, Europe presents a cleaner narrative: three games to potentially end a 41-year wait for continental success. First, though, they must navigate a fascinating semi-final encounter against Norwegian challengers Bodo/Glimt.

It’s not just about lifting a trophy. A place in next season’s Champions League hangs in the balance. For Ange Postecoglou, whose tenure has been anything but smooth in recent months, this tie could prove pivotal. Whether it saves his job or defines it is another question entirely.

Photo: IMAGO

Struggles at Home, Hope in Europe

Tottenham’s league form has unravelled. Sunday’s 5-1 humbling at Anfield marked their 19th Premier League defeat — a staggering number for a club with ambitions of being in Europe’s elite. They sit 16th, flirting uncomfortably close to the relegation zone.

But context matters. Postecoglou has rotated heavily for domestic matches, clearly prioritising the UEFA Europa League. That approach yielded success against Frankfurt in the quarter-finals, where Spurs played with purpose and control. The sense is that European competition suits them better at this stage, mentally and tactically.

“This is our one big chance,” a club source admitted this week. And with Manchester United or Athletic Club potentially awaiting in the final, Spurs are keenly aware of the opportunity.

Bodo/Glimt’s Fearless Rise

Bodo/Glimt arrive in North London not just as underdogs, but as disruptors. Their run to the semi-finals, capped by a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Lazio, has been both admirable and historic. This marks their first-ever appearance in the last four of a major European tournament.

Manager Kjetil Knutsen’s side plays with ambition, aggression, and no little skill — traits that have caused problems for bigger names before. But they’re severely hampered coming into this first leg. Suspensions to key players including captain Patrick Berg, Hakon Evjen and Andreas Helmersen leave significant gaps. Centre-back Odin Bjortuft and winger Ole Blomberg are also doubts, potentially forcing reshuffles in defence and attack.

Tottenham Hotspur Team News: Return of Key Players?

The mood at Hotspur Way has been quietly optimistic. Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Dejan Kulusevski are all expected to return after being rested against Liverpool. Their presence adds steel and structure to a side that sorely missed both.

Photo IMAGO

There is, however, uncertainty around Heung-min Son. The South Korean has missed three matches with a foot issue, and Postecoglou offered only guarded hope: “He’s touch and go.” Should Son miss out, it’s a significant blow — not just in terms of quality, but leadership.

Prediction: Spurs to Seize Control at Home

This isn’t the kind of tie where form lines hold much weight. Tottenham will view this fixture in isolation — 90 minutes at home, with the backing of a restless yet expectant crowd, before the second leg on Bodo/Glimt’s artificial pitch.

Spurs showed against Frankfurt they can lift their level in Europe. If they bring that intensity and tactical clarity, they should have too much for a depleted Norwegian side. But complacency will be punished — Bodo/Glimt are well-drilled and unafraid.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Bodo/Glimt

Match InfoDate: Thursday, 1 May 2025Kick-off: 8:00pm BSTVenue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, LondonTV Channel: TNT SportsLive Stream: Discovery+ (UK)

Head-to-head: This will be the first competitive meeting between Tottenham Hotspur and Bodo/Glimt.