ARSENAL return to Europa League action feeling on top of the world which could spell trouble for their opponents Bodo/Glimt.
The Gunners finally broke the Liverpool curse by beating the Reds 3-2 in a mouth-watering contest at the Emirates.
And it was a result which led many football fans to believe that Arsenal are title contenders this season along with Manchester City.
However, Mikel Arteta's men will have to readjust their focus on the Europa League with the Norwegian giants being next up on the rota.
But the Gunners should be quietly confident having already brushed Bodo/Glimt aside in the reverse fixture.
What time does Bodo/Glimt vs Arsenal kick off?
- Bodo/Glimt entertain Arsenal on Thursday, October 13.
- It is scheduled to kick off slightly earlier than usual – 5:45pm UK time but 6:45pm local time.
- Aspmyra Stadion in Bodo, Norway is the allocated arena for this fixture and it has a small capacity of 8,270.
- Arsenal convincingly beat Bodo/Glimt 3-0 at the Emirates last time out.
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What TV channel is Bodo/Glimt vs Arsenal on and can I live stream it?
- Bodo/Glimt vs Arsenal will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 2 in the UK.
- Build up is set to get underway from 5:15pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
- Subscription members of BT Sport also have the option to stream the game live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.
What is the team news?
Bodo/Glimt gaffer Kjetil Knutsen will be forced to continue without long-term absentee Sondre Fet.
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But, Knutsen should still be able to field his strongest eleven for this huge clash against table toppers Arsenal.
Elsewhere, Mikel Arteta would have been relieved to escape the Liverpool clash with no fresh injury concerns, especially for Gabriel Jesus who took a firm forearm to the head.
However, the Arsenal boss is still likely to be without midfield maestro Emile Smith Rowe and talented full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Latest odds
- Bodo/Glimt to win 11/2
- Draw 15/4
- Arsenal to win 2/5
*Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication
- Joe Adams
Concerns over 'plastic pitch'
Gunners fans have expressed concerns over the venue for this evening’s contest.
Bodo/Glimt’s ground features an artificial turf, which can be challenging for players who are used to playing on grass.
Roma boss Jose Mourinho was furious at the condition of the pitch when his side lost 6-1 here last season.
Mikel Arteta has played down the importance of the surface, stating that "a player can get injured on an artificial pitch, in a training session."
The boss continued: "We have done what we have to do to try to protect the players as much as we can, but at the end of the day tomorrow for sure we have 11 players on the pitch."
- Joe Adams
Jesus not in squad after skipping training
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus is reported to have missed training yesterday morning with the Brazilian thought to be carrying an injury.
He hobbled off the pitch with three minutes to go against Liverpool after clashing heads with Kostas Tsimikas.
The forward hasn’t travelled with the squad to Norway ahead of this evening’s clash.
However, Arteta has revealed the decision is simply to rest him, stating: “We thought that with everything he’s been through in the last few weeks it was better that he stayed at home.”
Jesus has featured in every game for the Gunners since his arrival from Manchester City in the summer.
In the Brazilian’s absence, Eddie Nketiah is in line to get his third consecutive start in the Europa League.
- Joe Adams
Bodo/Glimt XI
Haikin, Sampsted, Lode, Hoibraaten, Wembangomo, Vetlesen, Berg, Saltnes, Solbakken, Pellegrino, Espejord
Substitutes: Amundsen, Lund, Gronbaek, Hagen, Konradsen, Moe, Mugisha, Salvesen, Larsen, Sorli, Zugelj
- Joe Adams
Saka and Odegaard start for Gunners
Arteta makes changes from the side that beat Bodo/Glimt last week, presumably favouring a back four as opposed to the wing-backs he used last time round.
White, Saliba, Odegaard, Nelson and Saka all come in.
Marquinhos, Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Xhaka and Martinelli drop out.
Turner, White, Holding, Saliba, Tierney, Lokonga, Odegaard, Saka, Vieira, Nelson, Knketiah
Gunners bench: Ramsdale, Hein, Tomiyasu, Cedric, Ibrahim, Gabriel, Partey, Smith, Xhaka, Marquinhos, Martinelli, Edwards
- Joe Adams
Good afternoon from Bodo
Hello football fans and welcome to this evening’s early kick-off between Bodo/Glimt and Arsenal in the Europa League.
Mikel Arteta’s men came away comprehensive 3-0 winners against the Norwegian Champions last week at the Emirates. Goals from Eddie Nketiah, Rob holding and Fabio Vieira secured the victory.
Fans will be hoping for a repeat this evening as the club look to continue their perfect start in Europe.
However, the Gunners might not have it all their own way. Bodo/Glimt have been devastating at home in Europe, winning their last 14 matches at the Aspmyra Stadion. A 4-1 domestic win on the weekend will have helped gear them up for this one.
That being said, Arsenal have an impressive record of their own to protect. They haven’t lost on the road at this stage of the competition in their last ten matches.
The action is scheduled for 17:45 on the Norwegian coast and we will bring you all the team news as we build up to kick-off.
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