Gary Lineker believes that Tottenham’s tie with Bodo/Glimt is far from over and that the Norwegian side has one big advantage over their opponents in the second leg.
Tottenham Hotspur carry a healthy 3-1 lead into the second leg at the Aspmyra Stadion, but they will certainly not be treating the tie as a forgone conclusion.
Bodo/Glimt boast of an outstanding record at home in Europe and have had several big scalps on their way to the semifinal this season.
A lot has been said and written about the fact that the clash will be played on an artificial surface, and the likes of Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker think that the pitch may have a huge impact on Thursday’s game.
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Gary Lineker on Bodo/Glimt’s significant advantage over Tottenham
While discussing the semifinal, the crew on the Rest is Football podcast referenced Bodo/Glimt’s impressive record at home.
Lineker believes that their home record is mainly down to the fact that they play on astroturf, with the pundit insisting that the surface will be a huge advantage to the side from Norway.
Micah Richards said: “Bodo/Glimt, their record in Europe is something like, they’ve not lost in Europe at home for like 30-odd games or something like that. It’s ridiculous!”
Alan Shearer added: “On the astroturf as well!”
Lineker then replied: “That’s probably why (their home record is good), though, isn’t it? That’s a significant advantage!”
What Ange Postecoglou has said about playing on an artificial surface
The Tottenham head coach knows the challenge that lies ahead for his side, having played at the Aspmyra Stadion with his Celtic side back in 2022 in the Europa Conference League.
However, Postecoglou insisted last week that his side only need to focus on replicating their first-leg performance instead of worrying about the surface.
The Australian remarked that if Tottenham are at their best, they will be difficult to stop no matter the surface.
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