Artificial turf changes the game: prediction for Bodø/Glimt vs Union Saint-Gilloise
The second-leg clash of the Champions League third qualifying round between Bodø/Glimt and Union Saint-Gilloise will take place on August 11 at Aspmyra Stadium. After a high-scoring 3-3 draw in Ostend, the race for a spot in the next round remains wide open.
Bodø/Glimt: home turf should bring back familiar football
Before the first leg, the Norwegians had won five league matches in a row, keeping a clean sheet in each. That defensive solidity vanished in Ostend, but Kjetil Knutsen’s side showed resilience: trailing 2-3, they leveled the score in the 90th minute thanks to Odin Bjørtuft’s goal.
However, squad depth has taken a hit. Kasper Høgh has transferred to Celtic, Anders Klinge moved to Jagiellonia, and Håkon Evjen remains sidelined with a knee injury. Now, though, Bodø/Glimt return to their familiar artificial surface at Aspmyra, where they recently dispatched Fredrikstad, HamKam, and Lillestrøm.
Union Saint-Gilloise: attack firing, but defense under scrutiny
The Belgians are already in full competitive rhythm. Union clinched the Super Cup against Club Brugge on penalties, crushed Westerlo 5-1, and found the net three times against the Norwegians in the first leg.
The main threats remain Raoul Florucz, who bagged a brace in Ostend, and Promesse David, who scored in the 88th minute. However, the visitors must now adapt to artificial turf, and this summer also saw them lose their first-choice goalkeeper, Kjell Scherpen.
Match facts and head-to-head
- The first leg in Ostend ended in a 3-3 thriller.
- Before the first encounter, Bodø/Glimt had won five straight league games without conceding a single goal.
- At least three goals were scored in five of Bodø's last seven home games and three of Union's last four away fixtures.
Home advantage could be decisive: prediction for Bodø/Glimt vs Union Saint-Gilloise
Bodø/Glimt have lost some key players, but returning to their trusted artificial turf significantly boosts the hosts’ chances. Expect the Norwegians to play more aggressively than they did in Ostend.
Union have already shown they can create chances regularly, so a clean sheet for the home side seems unlikely. Still, the home advantage gives Bodø/Glimt a slight edge.
