The Norwegian side have drawn three and lost three of their six league phase matches so far, while City arrive with a stronger record of four wins, one draw and one defeat. This is Bodo Glimt’s first ever appearance in the Champions League league phase, having qualified ahead of the 2025 to 26 season, but their debut has been a tough one. Kjetil Knutsen’s team sit 32nd in the standings with just three points, making them one of only four teams yet to record a win.
With two games left to play, Bodo Glimt are four points adrift of the top 24, meaning they realistically need to win both remaining fixtures to keep their knockout hopes alive.
One possible advantage for the hosts is freshness. Their domestic season ended in late November, so they have played just two friendly matches since the turn of the year. Manchester City, by contrast, have already played six competitive games in 2026 and have struggled for consistency, winning only twice, one of those coming against League One side Exeter City, alongside three draws and a loss.
City’s most recent outing was a disappointing 2 0 defeat to Manchester United, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side still without a Premier League win in 2026 after three consecutive draws earlier in the year. Guardiola will be hoping a return to Champions League action, where City have generally impressed, can help spark a turnaround in form.
The match is also important for City’s push for a top eight finish. They currently sit just one point ahead of ninth placed Liverpool, while Barcelona, in 15th, are only three points behind with two games to go. Victory in Norway, followed by a final group match against Galatasaray, could be key to securing a more favourable position.
Despite their recent struggles, City can take confidence from their away record in the competition this season, having remained unbeaten on the road with two wins and a draw heading into this clash with Bodo Glimt.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Bodo Glimt will once again be without Jostein Gundersen, who is set to serve the third match of his suspension following a red card against AS Monaco in early November.Haitam Aleesami is also unavailable for the hosts due to a hamstring injury, which could see Odin Luras Bjortuft partner Villads Nielsen in central defence.
Further forward, Jens Petter Hauge has been one of Bodo Glimt’s standout performers in the league phase, scoring three goals in six appearances, and the hosts will be hoping he can make an impact once again.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are dealing with a lengthy injury and suspension list. Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Oscar Bobb, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Dias, Nico Gonzalez, Savinho, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, Kalvin Phillips and Omar Marmoush are all unavailable, while Phil Foden remains a doubt.
Antoine Semenyo is also ineligible for this stage of the competition after joining the club during the January transfer window and will only be available from the knockout rounds onward.
After a below par display in the defeat to Manchester United, Pep Guardiola could opt for several changes, with Nico O’Reilly, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait Nouri among those pushing for a place in the starting lineup.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
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
EXPERT PREDICTION
Bodo Glimt 2-4 Manchester City
