Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Facing what could be a tricky test when they get their Champions League play-off adventure on Wednesday night, Inter Milan will travel to Norway when they meet Bodo/Glimt.
Bodo/Glimt
Starting with the hosts, failing to win any of their opening five Champions League group stage showdowns, Bodo/Glimt were seeking a real miracle in the race to book a knockout stage ticket. However, embarking on what was a sensational European romp on either side of opening the New Year, Kjetil Knutsen’s men have received a string of plaudits from across the continent. Not set to get the 2026 Eliteserien campaign underway until next month, the Norwegian giants have their sole focused fixed on claiming another iconic European scalp on Wednesday night. Signing off their group stage adventure with a famous 2-1 win away at Atletico Madrid, Bodo/Glimt registered seven points from their final three appearances. With that remarkable European romp underlined by a 3-1 victory against Manchester City on January 20th, Knutsen’s side are more than capable of asking some serious questions here.
Bodo/Glimt Team News
While veteran midfielder Ulrik Saltnes might have missed out away at Atletico Madrid last month, Bodo/Glimt remain hopeful that the Norwegian international will return to Knutsen’s squad here. Ahead of Wednesday’s blockbuster first-leg showdown, the Yellows have reported a clean bill of health.
Remarkably bagging three goals in his final two group stage appearances, the red-hot Kasper Hogh will shoulder plenty of Bodo/Glimt’s goalscoring threat. One-time Lens star Patrick Berg will start in the middle of the park and should partner Hakon Evjen.
Inter Milan
As for the visitors, sat firmly in the driving seat to reclaim their domestic crown this season, Cristian Chivu has certainly made a real impact since arriving at the San Siro. Signing off their respective Champions League group stage adventure with an eye-catching 2-0 victory away at German giants Borussia Dortmund, the Nerazzurri are enjoying what has become an extended purple patch. Last seen over the weekend collecting another heavyweight scalp as they secured an action-packed 3-2 win against bitter domestic rivals Juventus, Inter Milan have won each of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Likewise, gaining a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, Wednesday’s guests have notched 20 goals on that six-match winning run.
Inter Milan Team News
Not featuring since returning from November’s international break, Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries remains on the sidelines with a long-term ankle issue. However, making a cameo appearance off the bench on Saturday, Turkish skipper Hakan Calhanoglu should get some more minutes under his belt after returning from a recent muscle issue.
Bagging four goals in his seven Champions League appearances this season, attacking talisman Lautaro Martinez will lead the line here. Arriving from Manchester City on a season-long loan switch last summer, Swiss international Manuel Akanji will start at the heart of Chivu’s defence.
Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan Key Factors to Consider
- Wednesday’s showdown in Norway will be the first competitive meeting between Bodo/Glimt and Inter Milan.
- Including a famous 2-1 victory away at Atletico Madrid last time out, Bodo/Glimt registered seven points from their final three Champions League appearances.
- Inter Milan have won each of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
- The Italian giants have also registered 20 goals on that six-match winning run.
- Bodo/Glimt’s last five matchups at the Aspmyra Stadion have produced 24 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
While Inter Milan might travel to Norway on Wednesday night pencilled in as a standout contender, the Italian giants could face a potential high-profile European banana skin. Watching Bodo/Glimt embark on a sensational run and collect a pair of heavyweight European scalps, Wednesday’s hosts are more than capable of asking some serious questions. Two camps who have gained a reputation for their action-packed affairs, we could be set for an enjoyable Champions League showdown here.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Dachbet