The death of Queen Elizabeth II interrupted the Gunners’ European campaign, and Thursday’s match will be their second in Group A.
As a result, their prospective rivals are in the lead after having played one extra game.
Mikel Arteta will make changes to the team that prevailed on Saturday, giving many periphery players excellent chances to win over the manager.
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Following a convincing 3-1 victory over Tottenham in the North London derby, Mikel Arteta’s team is feeling good.
However, focus now shifts to Europe, who need to win their second group round match after defeating FC Zurich 2-1 in their opening match.
But it’s important not to underestimate the guests. Kjetil Knutsen’s team leads Group A going into Thursday’s match after defeating Lillestrm SK 4-1 over the weekend in the Eliteserien.
Arsenal will aim to maintain their winning streak and, more importantly, carry that momentum into their match against Liverpool this coming Saturday.
The boss was questioned regarding our opponents and potential opportunities for members of the group. What he had to say about going up against Bodo/Glimt is as follows:
“We’ve done our homework. Obviously, we have made the players aware of the team that we are facing tomorrow, the history and what they’ve done in the last few years, and we have Martin in the squad who knows them really well and he’s done his homework in the dressing room to understand that tomorrow is going to be a tough game.”
On rotating our squad, Arteta said:
“That’s what we have to try and do [keep our momentum going]. The 0best way to do that is how we prepare every single day, keep focused on the task and on everything that we’re doing well, and keep being humble.
“There are a lot of things that we still need to improve and keep that willingness every time to become better every single day and to raise the competition between the members of the squad, because now everyone wants to play the game tomorrow.”
He was then asked on Bodo Glimt’s level compared to Arsenal’s opponents this season:
“Very high,” He said.
The manager spoke on how he prioritises the Europa League:
“It’s a competition that is really important for us, we know how important it is to be on top of that group. We have tough competition, and the home advantage so we have to use it. That’s why tomorrow’s game is really important for us.”
Kjetil Knutsen’s side had faltered in their Eliteserien title defence last month, but they rediscovered their golden touch at the weekend with a 4-1 success over Lillestrom in the top flight, which is exactly what the doctor ordered before a daunting trip to North London.
Only one of Bodo/Glimt’s last 13 away matches in Europe has ended in victory – although that was against British opposition in the form of Celtic – and an unexpected triumph over the Gunners would move Knusten’s men four points clear of the Premier League leaders at the top of Group A.
Thursday’s game will mark the inaugural meeting between Arsenal and Bodo/Glimt in any competition, and the hosts remain unbeaten after six clashes with Norwegian opposition, but a rejigged side will still need to have their wits about them here.
Townflex Sports takes a look at possible XI for both sides.
Arsenal possible XI:
Turner; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Lokonga; Marquinhos, Vieira, Martinelli; Nketiah
Bodo/Glimt possible XI:
Haikin; Sampsted, Moe, Hoibraten, Wembangomo; Saltnes, Berg, Vetlesen; Mvuka, Espejord, Pellegrino
