Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt are set to host reigning European heavyweights Manchester City in a pivotal UEFA Champions League league-phase encounter. With the competition entering its decisive stage, both sides approach this fixture with contrasting objectives but equal urgency, as qualification scenarios begin to narrow.
Bodo/Glimt possible starting lineup:Haikin; Sjovold, Nielsen, Bjortuft, Bjorkan; Evjen, Berg, Fet; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Lewis, Khusanov, Alleyne, Ait-Nouri; Cherki, Reijnders, O'Reilly, Mukasa, Doku; Haaland
Bodo/Glimt’s historic campaign and current position
The 2025–26 season marks a historic milestone for Bodo/Glimt, who qualified for the Champions League league phase for the first time in their history. Their rise over the past decade has been remarkable, transforming from domestic contenders into a regular presence in European competitions. However, this debut Champions League campaign has highlighted the gap between emerging clubs and Europe’s established elite.
After six league-phase matches, Bodo/Glimt find themselves 32nd in the overall standings with just three points. They have drawn three games and lost three, leaving them among a small group of teams yet to register a victory at this stage of the competition. While their performances have often been competitive, fine margins and a lack of clinical finishing have prevented them from converting encouraging displays into wins.
With the top 24 teams advancing to the knockout rounds, the Norwegian side currently sit four points adrift of the qualification places. With only two fixtures remaining, the margin for error is minimal. Realistically, Bodo/Glimt may need to win both of their remaining matches to keep their European journey alive, making this meeting with Manchester City a must-result scenario.
Domestic break and physical advantage
One potential advantage for the hosts lies in their physical condition. The Norwegian domestic season concluded in late November, meaning Bodo/Glimt have played just two matches since the turn of the year, both of which were friendly fixtures. This extended break could allow them to approach the game in fresher condition than their opponents, who have faced a congested schedule across multiple competitions.
Head coach Kjetil Knutsen will be hoping that his players can use this freshness to maintain intensity throughout the match, particularly against a Manchester City side accustomed to dominating possession and controlling the tempo.
Manchester City’s mixed form in 2026
Manchester City arrive in Norway searching for consistency. Since the start of the year, Pep Guardiola’s side have played six competitive fixtures, managing just two victories, one of which came against lower-league opposition in domestic cup action. Alongside those wins, City have recorded three draws and suffered a defeat, highlighting a rare period of uneven form.
Their most recent outing, a 2–0 loss in the Manchester derby, underlined some of the challenges Guardiola’s team have faced in recent weeks. Despite dominating spells of possession, City have struggled to convert control into goals, while defensive lapses have proven costly.
However, the Champions League has offered a different narrative. Manchester City have won four of their six league-phase matches, drawing one and losing just once. That record places them firmly in contention for a top-eight finish, which would provide a more favourable route in the knockout stages.
Importance of the top-eight race
The battle for a top-eight place is particularly intense this season, with several clubs separated by narrow margins. Manchester City currently hold a slim advantage over teams immediately behind them, while others remain within three points of their total. With two matches left to play, every result carries significant weight.
Victory in Norway would strengthen City’s position and reduce the pressure heading into their final league-phase fixture. Conversely, dropped points could leave their qualification fate dependent on results elsewhere, something Guardiola will be keen to avoid.
Encouragingly for the English side, their away form in the Champions League has been strong. They remain unbeaten on the road in the competition this season, having collected two wins and a draw. That record may offer confidence as they prepare to face unfamiliar conditions in northern Europe.
Bodo/Glimt team news and key players
Bodo/Glimt will be without defender Jostein Gundersen, who is serving the final match of a suspension following a red card earlier in the competition. His absence continues to disrupt the defensive unit, which has already faced significant pressure in the league phase.
Defender Haitam Aleesami is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury. As a result, Odin Luras Bjortuft is expected to partner Villads Nielsen at the heart of the defence.
In attack, much of Bodo/Glimt’s hope rests on Jens Petter Hauge, who has been one of the standout performers for the club in Europe. The forward has scored three goals in six Champions League appearances and has frequently been the player most capable of unsettling opposition defences. His pace and direct approach could be crucial if the hosts are to trouble Manchester City.
Manchester City injuries and rotation concerns
Manchester City travel with a significantly depleted squad. Several senior players are sidelined through injury or suspension, forcing Guardiola to carefully manage his resources. The absence of multiple established names has already led to increased opportunities for younger players and recent signings.
Midfielder Phil Foden remains a doubt, while January arrival Antoine Semenyo is ineligible for the league phase and will only be available should City progress to the knockout rounds.
Following a subdued performance in the derby, Guardiola may opt for changes to refresh his side. Players such as Nico O'Reilly, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri could be handed starting roles as City seek renewed energy and attacking fluency.
Tactical considerations
From a tactical perspective, Bodo/Glimt are expected to adopt a compact shape, aiming to limit space between the lines and frustrate City’s possession-based approach. Quick transitions and set pieces may represent their best opportunities to create scoring chances.
Manchester City, by contrast, will likely dominate the ball, attempting to wear down the hosts through sustained pressure and positional rotations. The challenge for Guardiola’s side will be converting territorial control into clear-cut chances, something that has not always been straightforward in recent weeks.
Match outlook
This fixture represents a classic Champions League contrast: a club seeking to make history against one aiming to maintain elite status. For Bodo/Glimt, the match offers an opportunity to claim a landmark victory on home soil and keep their qualification hopes alive. For Manchester City, it is a chance to steady their season, strengthen their league-phase position and regain confidence ahead of the competition’s decisive stages.
While City enter the match as favourites, the circumstances suggest a potentially competitive encounter. Fresh legs, home conditions and high motivation could allow Bodo/Glimt to challenge their illustrious opponents, while City’s experience and European pedigree may ultimately prove decisive.
As the league phase nears its conclusion, the stakes could hardly be higher for both sides in what promises to be a compelling Champions League contest.