Sunday 03/08/2014, 18:00, Norway Tippeligaen, Round 18, Aalesund vs Bodo Glimt
Aalesund vs Bodo Glimt Preview
Aalesund was enjoying a nice street when they had to face some of the best teams in the Norwegian first division and they are now seeking their first victory in almost a month. July was not particularly good for them, but this month was even worse for Bodo Glimt who plummeted from the first half of the standings as a result of losing five consecutive games.
Aalesund vs Bodo Glimt Odds
At Bet365
Aalesund 1.85, Draw 3.70, Bodo Glimt 4.00
Aalesund vs Bodo Glimt Tips
Bodo Glimt suffered a complete defensive meltdown in the last match, when they allowed four goals and eventually lost a game that they were dominating from the first minute. The hosts scored the first goal and regained the advantage twice after Sarpsborg level the score, but two unanswered goals in the last 10 min. of the match sealed their fate.
Laajab scored twice, one from penalty and he is their most prolific scorer right now, which explains why he is manager Halvorsen's first choice for tonight. The visitors are also expected to use N'Diaye in the second half if things take a turn for the worse, but Bodo Glimt needs to emphasize bolstering the defense.
Aalesund came painfully close of winning the last round against Lillestrom, with the visitors scoring the equalizer in the last minute of regulation time. Just a couple of days before that, Aalesund staged a nice comeback of its own away from home at Sarpsborg but despite scoring twice in the last minutes, they couldn't offset a 3-0 handicap.
Coach Jonsson is facing a predicament, because even though he has five strikers fit to play, none of them scored more than two goals. Midfielder Larsen is still their top scorer with 3 goals, but tonight the hosts will need to take more chances and hope that Grytten and James will rise to the occasion. Veteran Aaroy might be an option for the second half, but the 37-year-old is unlikely to feature in the starting formation.
Key Facts
- After winning six consecutive games, Bodo Glimt lost five in a row and six of the last seven matches
- The head to head record favors the visiting team, as Aalesund won a single match in 13 rounds
Aalesund vs Bodo Glimt Prediction
Granted the head to head record is not in their favor and recent results are far from impressive, the hosts are not to be underestimated. They might not have the best strikers in Tippeligaen but they don't need a formidable offensive to win against the team who allowed an average of three goals per match in the last five consecutive defeats. The odds for a home win stand at 1.85 with Bet365, but they are expected to drop as kickoff draws near, so punters should act quickly.
Bet: Aalesund @ 1.85 with Bet365
