Zurich – Bodo/Glimt : Preview & Prediction
A humiliating 5-0 defeat to PSV on matchday four confirmed Zurich’s elimination from the UEFA Europa League (UEL) this season, with the Swiss champions still without points in Group A. However, the worst may yet come, as Zurich must now win to remain in European competition, with this match representing their last hope of at least securing a ticket to the Europa Conference League (UECL).
Zurich are also bottom of the Swiss Super League and have the worst record for a reigning champion at this stage of the season (E6, P7), following a 4-1 derby loss to Grasshopper, a result that saw their only goal in their previous five matches in all competitions (E3, P2). As such, few could blame him for letting his guard down in this fixture as he tries to salvage his league campaign, although he fought valiantly in a 2-1 defeat in the previous clash against Bodø/Glimt, scoring a consolation goal in the closing minutes after a goalless first half.
With Arsenal claiming victory over PSV in their rescheduled clash last week, Bodø/Glimt’s chances of advancing in the UEL received a boost. A win in this clash could see them level on points with the Dutch side in second place in the group going into the final matchday, and with a run of four consecutive wins in the Eliteserien boosting their confidence levels, UEL Group A could be set for an exciting finish.
On a slight negative note, Bodø/Glimt have never won away from home inside 90 minutes at this level of continental competition (E1, P4), and with little distance separating second from fourth in the Eliteserien race for the two UECL places, the Yellow Horde have a major distraction. However, they have looked lethal on opposition soil of late, scoring in 11 consecutive away league games (G8, P3) and will be looking to do their country proud in their first UEL group stage campaign.
Players to watch: Jonathan Okita scored Zurich’s only home goal on the move in Group A, but man-of-the-moment Hugo Vetlesen could easily steal the show. As well as scoring a brace in two minutes in Bodø/Glimt’s 5-0 win over Kristiansund at the weekend, he scored in the previous meeting between these sides and his three goals in European competition have been crucial this season.
Key stat: Including qualifying, none of Zurich’s last eight UEL home games have ended in draws.
Zurich – Bodo/Glimt : Betting Tips
Bodo/Glimt – Win Odds: 2.25
