ANALYSIS BODÖ/GLIMT VS BESIKTAS:
Have watched unusually much of Besiktas this season.
To begin with, in the Champions League qualifiers against Malmö FF – where they completely messed up (at home), as heavy favorites. Also followed their progress in the Europa League closely, without being the least bit impressed. On the upper half of the Super Lig, but nowhere near maintaining the same standard as, for example, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. Had maximum luck against Lyon in a match where they were pinned down around their own penalty area for long stretches. Conceded 30 shots.
Expected lineup in northern Norway, where the snow is falling: Mert, Svensson, Emirhan, Zaynutdinov, Onur, Salih, Musrati, Gedson, Rafa Silva, Muçi, Semih.
The right-back Jonas Svensson has family and friends present – he is from Norway – where he has many seasons at Rosenborg on his CV. Surely a bit extra motivated.
He will also face one of Bodø/Glimt's best players on his flank – Jens Petter Hauge. The Bodø/Glimt player who has created the most goal-scoring chances this season. Tempting assist odds.
ANALYS LUDOGORETS VS AZ ALKMAAR:
A bit of a last chance for Ludogorets, who will need to throw everything forward. They’ve found form and confidence to challenge AZ Alkmaar. Saved by strong goalkeeping against Lazio, but when they did manage to push forward and create, the chances came through Aslak Witry (who assisted two of the three shots they managed). Now he’s up against his former team and has full freedom to surge forward on the right flank.
Another thing about Ludogorets that has stood out to me? They’re one of the teams that has forced the most free kicks... They have many players who just put their heads down and go for it.
AZ Alkmaar will need to “step up.” A big mystery that Peer Koopmeiners has avoided yellow cards this season... Surely it’s time now?
