Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham: What awaits Spurs in Norway for Europa League semi-final second leg

The weather may prove favourable for Tottenham, but they will still have to deal with playing on an artificial pitch.

For teams used to real grass they can find that the ball behaves differently on synthetic turf – it can move along the surface quicker and bounce differently. Bodo/Glimt’s players will be used to this, but Tottenham’s will not.

“It is different football [on an artificial pitch],” said midfielder Dejan Kulusevski.

“It is a different pitch, but in life, you have to do what you have to do to find a way to win and we have got to do that.”

Bodo defender Odin Bjortuft said: “Of course, playing here at home is a big advantage for us because I don’t think a lot of teams are prepared for what’s coming.

“The ball goes really fast when you play passes and it’s more difficult for defenders reaching attackers and getting contact with us. That’s what we benefit from in these games.

“It’s a big difference between artificial and grass in many ways, but the main key is that the ball goes so fast.”

Tottenham have already played on a similar surface this season – winning 3-0 at Tamworth in the FA Cup third round in January – and that will serve as a reminder of just how tough they found it.

Spurs struggled for 90 minutes against the National League side, but finally managed to overcome them in extra time, although they needed an own goal from Tamworth’s Nathan Tshikuna to break the deadlock after 101 minutes.