USG Vs Bodo_Glimt

Union SG will be eager to recover from their opening-matchday loss when they host Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

In stark contrast, the visitors are arriving in Belgium after kicking off their campaign in outstanding form.

Match Preview

Bodo/Glimt players celebrate their victory on April 27, 2024. © Imago

After finishing second in the Belgian Pro League last season, expectations were high for Union SG to once again contend for top honors. However, they currently find themselves in eighth place in the league standings, having amassed just 13 points from their first nine matches.

Since taking the reins as head coach, Sebastian Pocognoli has led the team to victory in the Belgian Super Cup. Yet, Union SG is struggling with only two wins in their last ten competitive matches. Their most recent triumph came on Sunday when they defeated the struggling Kortrijk 3-0, just three days after suffering a Europa League defeat against Fenerbahce.

A red card received in the 73rd minute hampered their efforts during that match, but it is crucial for Les Unionistes to find a response to avoid falling further behind in their quest to secure a place in the knockout stage.

On the other hand, Bodo/Glimt is focused on maintaining their seven-point advantage in the Eliteserien as they look ahead to the upcoming months. Nevertheless, manager Kjetil Knutsen and his squad are also intent on establishing a strong position to enhance their chances of a deep run in the Europa League.

Bodo/Glimt delivered an impressive comeback last week, overcoming Porto with a 3-2 victory, just days after a disappointing 4-1 loss to their Norwegian title rivals Brann. They rebounded with a commanding 4-0 win against Kristiansund, currently sitting in 11th place, which has helped them regain their momentum. However, their only other defeat in the last eight matches was a recent European outing at Red Star Belgrade.