Viking – Bodø/Glimt

Are we about to get a real blockbuster of a match in Norway too? Yes, we've had Molde against Rosenborg, and Vålerenga against Lillestrøm is no Sunday walk in the park either, but now we might start talking about an extra step up the ladder here. The reigning champions from Stavanger have become a real football team, and securing the gold ahead of the yellows from the north is no small feat. For Bodø/Glimt, one cannot brag enough. If you sit back in your armchair and think carefully, it really shouldn't be possible what the Bodø natives did out in Europe this time. Beating Manchester City at home is enough to make the world stop for a moment, but getting on the plane down to Madrid to give Atleti a lesson is just unheard of. Directly disrespectful. Don't they know their place in the football hierarchy? Obviously not enough Inter. The giants from Milan were a number too small. That's right, Inter were too small in the duel against Bodø/Glimt. Twice in a week they were put in place. This story has already been immortalized. But now we return to the motherland and Stavanger. Because we dare to say that Viking could soon prove to be as tough a nut for Bodø/Glimt as Inter was. The Siddis are made to punish the northerners, and if the gold is to end up in the north again, this is the match to show their intentions. Get ready for a big match already in round four!

Viking – Slowly but surely, dreams became reality

For this Viking team did not take shape overnight. Painstakingly, stone by stone was neatly placed on top of each other, and finally one began to sense the contours of a proper construction in Stavanger. With a wonderful mix of muscle and determination, as well as finesse that had hardly been seen in these parts before, Aarsheim and Jensen ruled over a fairly complete crew. Where Tripic paved the way with all his cleverness and brutality, Edvin Austbø shone like the sun. Let's also say a few words about the anchor from New Zealand. Joe Bell steered the ship with stoic calm, allowing the team's more offensive and brilliant players to roar with the tide. The result was a team in balance, and the whole thing would prove to be an optimal mix.

The start of the season started rough for the reigning champions. A loss to Ham-Kam in the first round was not how it was supposed to start. However, they showed their class the following weekend, and put Molde emphatically in their place. In the following round, it was Vålerenga who got revenge. Viking has gained a foothold, and with that they come steaming. Cut into the joy is the aforementioned Austbø, as well as Berisha. Both are injured, and especially the former is a huge loss for the Stavanger team. It was Austbø who was the x-factor last year, and for a moment it seemed like the youngster could walk on water. Now there is a nasty calf injury that stops the jewel from wreaking havoc with Eliteserie defenders. The hope is that he will soon be on the grass again, which he probably will be if Viking is to challenge Saturday's opponent again.

Bodø/Glimt – Can you replace canapés with sausage in bread?

For now comes everyday life for Bodø/Glimt. It is no longer the Champions League anthem over floodlights and countless spectators. Now it is about randomly constructed grandstand sections, away locker rooms the size of the store in the basement at home, and enthusiasts selling cookie dough during the break. Two with ketchup and mustard round trip, and a cup of coffee, please! The adjustment is of course about as big as you make it, but something tells us that they will fix this too. There is a charm to it, coming home, playing football with slightly lower shoulders, seeing family and friends in the stands, and being interviewed by peripheral local newspapers afterwards. What does the VG stock exchange say, and what does grandma say about the chance you sent straight into the water from eight meters? Bodø/Glimt has shown before that this will work well, and that is exactly what happened in the series premiere. Kristiansund was completely outplayed, and 0-3 in the Klippfisk town was not a small amount! Let the ball roll, the yellows will take back the gold.

But, if you end up there again, it is Viking who will be the toughest challenger. At least there is much to suggest that. Last year, the Stavanger team was so stable, so stable, and even though the Bodø team came out well towards the end, it didn't help. They had to admit defeat. What about the matches between the two during last year's season? Two breathless matches that both ended 2-4. B/G won in Stavanger, Viking won in Bodø. Slightly crazy matches, and certainly worthy of two fighting cocks fighting for the title.

Can we get the same thing again this year? It's not impossible at all. Attack is the preferred setting in both places, and getting the opponent on the wrong foot is what both teams try to do. We've seen what Bodø/Glimt can do at their best when you turn on the playfulness, and Viking at their best is not much behind this. Quick transitions, ball in between, and playful innovative edges. Now Austbø is certainly missing for the home team, but perhaps the right side with Fuglestad and Heggheim can be a decisive factor. One thing is for sure, it will be full fire in the tent on Saturday.

Conclusion – Blow by blow. Goal by goal.

The two teams will probably take turns asking the difficult questions this time too. The guests are playing with their best cards available, and then we know what Hauge, Høgh, Berg, Evjen, and all the others can do. It will be a drive towards the Viking goal from the first kick of the ball. But don't think this will be one-sided either. The home team has its aces, and with a good day at work can secure all three points. But it won't be easy. We keep the yellows as narrow favorites, and it would be a big surprise if there are no goals this time too. Can we get a repeat of the match in Stavanger last year, with 2-4 on the board in the end? Not at all unthinkable, and it might be the time for it too, given that Austbø is missing for Viking, and Bodø/Glimt has had to play in form through the Champions League. These sharp matches and adventurous results must do something to you. The downside may be exhaustion and a feeling of emptiness, but we dare say that this team has so many sober figures close to them, and at no point did it seem like they lost touch with the ground. Bodø/Glimt are favorites on Saturday, even against a very strong home team.

Viking must try to surprise. They can of course outcompete the guests with their energetic approach to the game, but we consider the counter-play that comes in return to be even sharper. Then you simply have to have the day. And Viking had that several times last year, also against Bodø/Glimt. The midfield will often be the key, and the hope must be some tired legs for the northerners. One thing is for sure, if Viking plays like they did at home against Molde in the second round of the series, the guests will have their work cut out for them.

We're sticking to recent experience. Both sides will attack, and both teams will put at least one extra punch in the stomach of their opponents. This slugger duel between Norway's two best football teams will be worth watching - and there will also be an opportunity to relieve yourself from your seat and celebrate a few goals. Equal numbers for both? Maybe. But we're leaning more towards a cheering scene for the guests. If you're unsure about the celebration, do like us, go for a football party of a showdown, and bet on goals. Then you'll get to cheer no matter who parks the ball in the net.

Norway at 18:00: Viking – Bodø/Glimt: Over 3.5 goals (1.97)

Alternative game

Norway at 18:00: Viking – Bodø/Glimt: Away win (1.90)

Norway at 18:00: Viking – Bodø/Glimt: Over 1.5 goals in the 1st half (1.94)