Union Saint-Gilloise can look back on their recent victory in the Belgian Super Cup over Club Brugge on penalties, as well as some exciting friendlies this summer (they beat Lille, but also suffered seven goals against PSV). Bodø-Glimt, meanwhile, has demonstrated a phenomenal scoring record, winning their last five Eliteserien matches by an aggregate score of 13-0.
Motivation for this match will be high: a spot in the Champions League playoffs is at stake. Bodø-Glimt, who became a real threat to the big clubs last season, defeating Manchester City and Inter, will not be playing defensively and will aim for a result on the road. Analysts also see a high probability of a scoring match: statistically, over 2.5 goals are given a minus (-162) odds, while mathematical models estimate the probability of this happening at 75%.
Union's first official match of the season already demonstrated that the team is capable of scoring, but not always reliable defensively, conceding to Club Brugge. The visitors, despite losing their top scorer, found new attacking options. Given Bodø-Glimt's European experience and current form, as well as the hosts' willingness to exploit their home ground, we can expect open football with chances at both ends.
