Today, Qarabag will face Norway's Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League group stage away match.
Idman.biz presents an article from the Russian website soccer365.ru regarding this match.
The article notes that despite Bodo Glimt being focused on their game with Qarabag, their attention is also largely directed toward their domestic league. "With only six rounds left in the Eliteserien, Bodo Glimt had a significant lead. However, losses to Rosenborg and two draws have completely erased their advantage over second-place Brann. Nonetheless, after three rounds in the Europa League, Bodo Glimt has accumulated seven points, defeating Porto and Braga, while drawing with 'Union', placing them in the upper part of the table. The match with Qarabag presents an opportunity for them to further strengthen their position before focusing entirely on the domestic league."
The article highlights that Bodo Glimt is recovering from injuries: "In recent weeks, Coach Knutsen has only had to manage the long-term injuries of Vetti, Skeide, and Moe. Meanwhile, he is pleased with the recovery of midfielder Saltnes, and defenders Wembangomo and Elabdellaou, although their physical condition showed signs of weakness in their match against Molde. Midfielder Evjen’s participation is in question, and forward Hogh may be rested due to his last match being against Tromsö."
Bodo/Glimt has often used their home advantage in European competitions: "While this isn't always the case at the European level, in the last calendar year, Nikita Haikin’s team lost only twice, to Ajax and Brugge. But they have beaten teams like Porto, Crvena Zvezda, and Jagiellonia. Qarabag has gained international experience, but they are not an insurmountable obstacle, especially with the game being played in faraway Bodø. The Azerbaijani team had to travel almost 4,500 kilometers to play in Norway."
The article also compares Qarabag’s local and European performances: "While Qarabag leads the Azerbaijan Premier League effortlessly, their performance in the Europa League has been far from impressive. They have lost all three of their matches so far, placing them at the bottom of the group standings. In the match against Malmö, they came close to scoring but lost 1:2. They also suffered 0:3 defeats to Tottenham and Ajax. Additionally, during their match against Tottenham, Qarabag was ahead early, but after Drajošin’s dismissal, the team lost the advantage."
The article further discusses gaps in Qarabag’s squad: "The absence of goalkeepers due to injuries to Mahammadaliyev and Ramazanov is a starting point. In this situation, Kochalski, who played in the last Europa League match against Ajax, will step up. Moreover, players like Jafarguliyev and Julio Romao, who were sidelined after their game against Ajax, will also miss the upcoming match. Additionally, Vesovic from Montenegro remains unavailable, while Mateusz Silva is regaining form after recovering from an injury."
The author reveals Gurban Gurbanov’s expected tactics: "Despite the high level of the opponent, Gurban Gurbanov’s team doesn't play defensive football. In a situation where they have no points from three rounds, they may take risks. It’s unlikely that anyone will blame him for another defeat, especially under such tough geographic conditions. Statistically, Qarabag has only scored one goal from a total of 3.18 xG in the Europa League, and perhaps they can overcome this shortcoming in their match against Bodo Glimt, a team known for their attacking style."
It is noted that Bodo/Glimt has secured four consecutive home wins in European competitions, while Qarabag has suffered three defeats in five away matches. "Bodo Glimt" has scored three or more goals in three of their last five home games, while Qarabag has conceded three goals in three of their five away games.
The conclusion drawn is: "While the importance of the Norwegian Eliteserien games may not suggest a direct impact on European qualification, Bodo Glimt will surely continue to play an attacking game to win. Qarabag’s challenge is to adapt to the hosts’ style and provide an exciting, attacking display. We expect a high-scoring and open match, but we lean towards a home victory."
Match Prediction: 3-2 (Bodo Glimt Victory)
Idman.biz
