Bodo/Glimt play host to Rosenborg on Saturday looking for the win that would see them make headway up the Eliteserien table.
At a time when the home side sit in eighth position, albeit with games in hand, Rosenborg are second and looking to mount a title charge.
Match preview
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While reaching the Europa League semi-finals was a monumental achievement for Bodo/Glimt, it has played havoc with their domestic campaign and left them playing catch-up.
Defeat at Tromso last time out has ensured that Kjetil Knutsen's side are 10 points adrift of leaders Viking Stavanger, albeit with four matches in hand.
Furthermore, they have already been dumped out of the NM Cupen by Aalesund, with a total of four defeats having now been recorded in succession.
Knutsen now has a job on his hands to rally his troops as they bid to defend their league title, there being an urgent need to get back on track with Viking the visitors to the Aspmyra Stadion four days after this match.
Despite lifting the trophy at the end of 2024, it is worth noting that Bodo/Glimt have only prevailed from six of their last 13 games in the Eliteserien.
![Rosenborg manager Alfred Johansson on May 4, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/26/alfred-johansson.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Rosenborg manager Alfred Johansson on May 4, 2024 [IMAGO]")
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As for Rosenborg, they have made a remarkable start to this campaign, building on last season's fourth-placed finish with an eight-game unbeaten run.
Combined with collecting 18 points from a possible 24, just two goals have been conceded, with three clean sheets being posted in a row.
Although Alfred Johansson will recognise that the season remains in its early phase, he can only be encouraged that everything is in place to push for their first league title since 2018.
That said, goals at the other end remain an issue. The Troll Children have netted just 10 times and possess the eighth-best attacking return in the division.
Team News
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Despite defeat last time out, Knutsen is unlikely to overly tinker with his Bodo/Glimt XI given that Tromso's winner came in the 93rd minute.
Haitam Aleesami is an option to replace Brede Moe in the centre of defence, while Sondre Sorli is an alternative on one of the flanks.
Kasper Hogh netted his fifth Eliteserien goal in as many games last time out and should retain his spot down the middle of the attack.
Barring any injury issues, the Rosenborg starting lineup could stay the same after their 1-0 win over FK Haugesund.
Erland Dahl Reitan is an option to return at right-back, with Adrian Pereira potentially switching to the left, but Noah Holm may keep his spot as centre-forward despite netting just once in six Eliteserien fixtures.
Bodo/Glimt possible starting lineup:
Haikin; Sjovold, Gundersen, Moe, Bjorkan; Evjen, Berg, Saltnes; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge
Rosenborg possible starting lineup:
Tangvik; Reitan, M.Ceide, Nemcik, Pereira; Zeidan, Selnaes, Nypan; Broholm, Holm, E.Ceide
We say: Bodo/Glimt 1-1 Rosenborg
With just one defeat being registered between these sides during the 2025 domestic campaign, we expect a tight contest to play out. Although Bodo/Glimt will be regarded as marginal favourites, we cannot ignore Rosenborg's outstanding defensive record, leading us to predict a low-scoring draw.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
