Bodø/Glimt vs Lillestrøm prediction for 31 July 2026, including recent form, summer transfers, tactical analysis, expected lineups, betting odds and the best bet.
Introduction
Bodø/Glimt welcome Lillestrøm to Aspmyra Stadion on Friday, 31 July 2026, for one of the most interesting matches of Eliteserien Round 16.
Bodø/Glimt begin the round at the top of the table with 35 points from 15 matches, while Lillestrøm sit fourth with 25 points from 14 games.
The league positions suggest a competitive match, but the recent evidence points strongly towards the home side.
Bodø/Glimt have won four consecutive league games without conceding. They defeated KFUM 2-0, Fredrikstad 1-0, HamKam 3-0 and Sandefjord 3-0, scoring nine unanswered goals during that sequence. Lillestrøm returned from the summer break with victories over Fredrikstad and KFUM before losing 2-1 at home to reigning champions Viking.
There is also a clear head-to-head warning for the visitors. Bodø/Glimt have already beaten Lillestrøm twice in 2026, winning 4-0 in the Norwegian Cup and 2-0 away in the league.
The home side are dealing with significant changes, however. Kasper Høgh completed a transfer to Celtic on 28 July, while Håkon Evjen has suffered a knee injury and will spend a period on the sidelines. Those absences remove a proven goalscorer and an important attacking midfielder from Kjetil Knutsen’s team.
For readers comparing платные прогнозы с высокой проходимостью, the important question is therefore not whether Bodø/Glimt deserve to be favourites. They clearly do. The real decision is whether the champions-in-waiting can cover a demanding handicap without Høgh and Evjen.
Article updated on 30 July 2026. Betting odds and expected lineups may change before kick-off.
Summer Changes
Bodø/Glimt
Norwegian football follows a spring-to-autumn calendar, so this is not a traditional pre-season transfer window. Even so, Bodø/Glimt have experienced a major reshaping of their squad during the July period.
The largest change is Høgh’s move to Celtic.
The Danish striker leaves after scoring 54 goals and providing 22 assists across 103 appearances for Bodø/Glimt. He helped the club win domestic silverware, reached a Europa League semi-final and played in the Champions League knockout rounds. Replacing that level of output in the middle of a title race will not be straightforward.
Andreas Helmersen is the most natural replacement at centre-forward.
The 190-centimetre striker offers height, physical strength and a useful penalty-area presence. He scored in the 2-0 victory over KFUM and assisted Jens Petter Hauge’s goal against Sandefjord.
Ola Brynhildsen can also play through the middle or begin from a wider position. He scored after only two minutes against Sandefjord and should have an important role now that Høgh is no longer available. Young Danish forward Mikkel Bro Hansen is another option after coming off the bench to score the third goal in that match.
The loss of Evjen is another concern.
He suffered a knee injury against Sandefjord, and the club confirmed that he will be unavailable for an unspecified period. Evjen normally contributes through his pressing, movement between midfield and attack and ability to arrive inside the penalty area.
Anders Klynge has also left the club after completing a transfer to Jagiellonia Białystok. The midfielder was not a guaranteed starter, but his departure reduces Knutsen’s depth during a period in which Bodø/Glimt are also preparing for Champions League qualifying matches against Union Saint-Gilloise.
Despite those departures, the home squad remains strong.
Patrick Berg, Jens Petter Hauge, Fredrik Bjørkan, Fredrik Sjøvold, Jostein Gundersen, Sondre Auklend, Ulrik Saltnes, Ole Didrik Blomberg and Brynhildsen give Knutsen an experienced group that already understands the club’s demanding style.
Lillestrøm
Lillestrøm have also made several meaningful summer changes.
The most damaging departure is Salieu Drammeh’s transfer to Standard Liège. The winger produced 26 goal contributions in 50 Lillestrøm appearances and played a central role in the club’s promotion and Norwegian Cup success during 2025. His speed and one-on-one ability gave the team a direct outlet during counterattacks.
Ulrik Yttergård Jenssen has also left after his loan spell ended. The centre-back has signed for Danish club Odense, reducing Hans Erik Ødegaard’s defensive options ahead of a difficult trip to Aspmyra.
Lillestrøm have responded by signing Stian Kristiansen.
The 27-year-old centre-back has agreed a three-year contract and is reunited with Ødegaard, having previously worked under him at Sandefjord. Kristiansen played 25 Eliteserien matches and scored three goals during his first top-flight season with Sandefjord.
The most recognisable attacking arrival is Fredrik Gulbrandsen.
The experienced forward has returned to his boyhood club after 13 years away. He made an immediate contribution against KFUM, coming off the bench and assisting Félix Vá’s late winning goal in the 2-1 victory.
Gulbrandsen offers pace, experience and intelligent movement, although it remains uncertain whether he is ready to start a high-intensity match on Aspmyra’s artificial surface.
The visitors still have Thomas Lehne Olsen, Félix Vá, Yaw Paintsil, Camil Jebara and young Kparobo Arierhi available in attack. Markus Karlsbakk, Gustav Nyheim, Ylldren Ibrahimaj and Kevin Krygård provide several midfield combinations.
Team Form
Bodø/Glimt Form
Bodø/Glimt could hardly enter this fixture in better domestic form.
Their first match after the World Cup break ended in a controlled 2-0 victory away to KFUM. Sondre Brunstad Fet opened the scoring, before Helmersen secured the points after an assist from Sondre Auklend.
They followed that result with three more victories:
- Bodø/Glimt 1-0 Fredrikstad
- Bodø/Glimt 3-0 HamKam
- Sandefjord 0-3 Bodø/Glimt
The most impressive part of the run is not only the results but the defensive control. Glimt have kept four consecutive clean sheets while gradually increasing their attacking output.
The victory in Sandefjord was particularly professional.
Brynhildsen scored in the second minute, after which Glimt controlled possession without forcing the game. Hauge and Bro Hansen added two late goals when the home side became tired and began leaving more space.
Knutsen’s side have shown that they do not need to score three goals during the opening half-hour. They can control the rhythm, tire opponents through possession and increase the pressure after the break.
The challenge on Friday is maintaining that level after losing Høgh and Evjen within the same week.
Lillestrøm Form
Lillestrøm have returned from the summer break in respectable form.
They began with a 2-0 away victory over Fredrikstad before defeating KFUM 2-1 at Åråsen. Gustav Nyheim scored the equaliser against KFUM, while Gulbrandsen created the winning goal for Félix Vá during the closing minutes.
The next test ended in a 2-1 defeat against Viking.
Lillestrøm competed well, improved after half-time and scored through Lars Ranger from a set piece. However, captain Ruben Gabrielsen admitted afterwards that Viking had been sharper in both penalty areas.
That assessment is relevant before the trip to Bodø.
Lillestrøm can compete physically with the strongest teams in Norway, but small mistakes are usually punished more severely against Glimt. A careless pass near their own penalty area or a delayed defensive movement can quickly become a clear scoring chance.
The visitors have won five of their 14 league matches and sit fourth, so they should not be treated as a weak opponent. Their away form has included victories at Molde and Fredrikstad, proving they can produce disciplined performances outside Åråsen.
Aspmyra is still a different challenge.
The artificial surface, Glimt’s pressing and the constant movement of the home midfield make it difficult for visiting teams to slow the game down.
Tactical Analysis
How Bodø/Glimt May Play
Bodø/Glimt are expected to remain in their familiar 4-3-3 formation.
Patrick Berg will play at the base of midfield, controlling possession and switching the direction of attacks. Sondre Brunstad Fet and Sondre Auklend are the most likely players to operate ahead of him while Evjen is unavailable.
The home side will try to create numerical advantages around Lillestrøm’s midfield.
Berg often drops between or alongside the central defenders during the buildup. That movement allows Sjøvold and Bjørkan to advance from full-back, pinning Lillestrøm’s wing-backs or wide forwards closer to their own penalty area.
Hauge should begin from the left but will regularly move inside. His movement creates space for Bjørkan to overlap, while also giving Glimt another player near the central striker.
On the opposite side, Blomberg offers more direct running. He assisted Brynhildsen’s opening goal against Sandefjord and can attack the space behind Lillestrøm’s left-sided defender.
The centre-forward position is the main tactical question.
Helmersen is the safer option because he gives Glimt a natural target inside the box. Brynhildsen offers more mobility and can drag the central defenders away from their positions. Knutsen could also use Brynhildsen from the start before introducing Helmersen if Lillestrøm defend too deeply.
Without Høgh, Glimt may produce fewer direct crosses and look for more low passes across the penalty area.
Their pressing should remain unchanged.
The front three will try to force Lillestrøm towards the touchline, where the full-back and nearest central midfielder can close the available passing options. If Lillestrøm attempt to build short from Dahlberg, they will need to be extremely accurate.
How Lillestrøm May Play
Lillestrøm are likely to defend with a back five when Bodø/Glimt have established possession.
Ødegaard can begin with either a 3-4-3 or a flexible 3-4-2-1. Ranger and John Kitolano are natural candidates for the wing-back positions, while Gabrielsen, Garnås and Sander Moen Foss can form a physically strong central defence.
The visitors will not want to press continuously.
Trying to chase every Glimt pass would leave spaces between midfield and defence. A more realistic plan is to defend in a compact middle block and press when the ball is played towards the touchline or backwards to the goalkeeper.
Karlsbakk and Nyheim must protect the central space around Berg.
Stopping Berg completely is difficult, but Lillestrøm can make his forward passes less comfortable by keeping their midfield narrow and forcing Glimt towards the wings.
The visitors’ best attacking opportunities should arrive through transitions.
Vá has the speed to carry the ball into open space, while Paintsil can attack behind Bjørkan or Sjøvold. Gulbrandsen could become a valuable second-half option once the match begins to stretch.
Set pieces are another important route.
Ranger scored with a header against Viking, while Gabrielsen, Garnås and Foss give Lillestrøm several strong aerial targets. Glimt have been defensively secure during July, but corners and wide free kicks may provide the visitors with their most realistic scoring chances.
Lillestrøm must avoid conceding early.
If Bodø/Glimt take the lead during the opening 15 minutes, the visitors will eventually have to push forward and leave more space behind their midfield. That is usually when Glimt become most dangerous.
Key Players
Patrick Berg – Bodø/Glimt
Berg remains the most important player in Glimt’s structure.
He determines the speed of possession, protects the centre-backs and regularly starts attacks with forward passes into the half-spaces. Lillestrøm must stop him from receiving the ball without pressure.
His leadership also becomes more important following the departures and injuries affecting the squad.
Jens Petter Hauge – Bodø/Glimt
Hauge scored and assisted during the 3-0 victory over Sandefjord.
He was released by Helmersen for the second goal before creating the third for Bro Hansen. His ability to move from the left into central positions should cause problems for a Lillestrøm defence that will already be occupied by the centre-forward and overlapping full-back.
Ola Brynhildsen – Bodø/Glimt
Brynhildsen scored his first league goal for Glimt after only two minutes in Sandefjord.
Høgh’s departure creates a much larger role for him. He can start from the right, the left or as the central forward, making him difficult for Lillestrøm to track.
Andreas Helmersen – Bodø/Glimt
Helmersen is expected to receive more playing time following Høgh’s transfer.
He scored against KFUM and assisted Hauge’s goal against Sandefjord. His height also gives Glimt a central target when the opposition defend close to their own goal.
Markus Karlsbakk – Lillestrøm
Karlsbakk is central to Lillestrøm’s ability to escape pressure.
He can receive the ball from the defenders, switch play towards the wing-backs and contribute from set pieces. If he is forced to play only backwards, the visitors may struggle to move out of their own half.
Gustav Nyheim – Lillestrøm
The 20-year-old midfielder has made an impressive start to the second part of the season.
He scored against both Fredrikstad and KFUM and also played the pass that released Gulbrandsen before the winning goal against KFUM.
His energy and willingness to make forward runs can create problems if Glimt’s midfield becomes too focused on possession.
Félix Vá – Lillestrøm
Vá provides Lillestrøm’s most dangerous individual pace following Drammeh’s departure.
He scored the winner against KFUM and can attack either side of the defence. Lillestrøm will look for him quickly whenever they regain possession.
Ruben Gabrielsen – Lillestrøm
The captain will have to organise a defence facing one of the most fluid attacks in Scandinavia.
Gabrielsen has the physical strength and experience to defend the penalty area, but he will also need to decide when the back line should step forward and when it should remain compact.
Expected Lineups
The expected lineups are provisional. Bodø/Glimt must adjust after Høgh’s departure and Evjen’s injury, while Lillestrøm have recently added Kristiansen and Gulbrandsen.
Bodø/Glimt Expected Lineup
Formation: 4-3-3
Nikita Haikin;
Fredrik Sjøvold, Odin Bjørtuft, Jostein Gundersen, Fredrik Bjørkan;
Sondre Brunstad Fet, Patrick Berg, Sondre Auklend;
Ole Didrik Blomberg, Andreas Helmersen, Jens Petter Hauge.
Possible changes: Ola Brynhildsen could replace either Helmersen or Blomberg. Ulrik Saltnes is an experienced midfield alternative, while Mikkel Bro Hansen may receive more minutes after scoring against Sandefjord.
Unavailable: Håkon Evjen is sidelined with a knee injury. Kasper Høgh and Anders Klynge have left the club.
Lillestrøm Expected Lineup
Formation: 3-4-3
Pontus Dahlberg;
Espen Garnås, Ruben Gabrielsen, Sander Moen Foss;
Lars Ranger, Markus Karlsbakk, Gustav Nyheim, John Kitolano;
Yaw Paintsil, Thomas Lehne Olsen, Félix Vá.
Possible changes: Ylldren Ibrahimaj or Kevin Krygård could provide additional midfield control. Fredrik Gulbrandsen is an attacking alternative, while Stian Kristiansen is pushing for his first start after joining the club.
Camil Jebara and Kparobo Arierhi are further options if Ødegaard wants more pace in the forward line.
Head-to-Head
The official Norwegian Football Federation database lists 26 previous meetings between the teams.
Bodø/Glimt have won 13, seven have ended level and Lillestrøm have recorded six victories. Glimt have scored 53 goals in those matches, compared with 31 for Lillestrøm.
Meetings in 2026
22 March 2026: Bodø/Glimt 4-0 Lillestrøm
Glimt controlled the Norwegian Cup match and won through goals involving Høgh, Auklend and Evjen. The departures and injury mean some of the main figures from that victory will not be involved on Friday.
26 April 2026: Lillestrøm 0-2 Bodø/Glimt
Glimt also won the first league meeting, giving them a combined 6-0 advantage across the two matches played this year.
That record gives the home side a clear psychological advantage, although Lillestrøm’s squad has changed since the March cup defeat.
Betting Markets
The following odds were available before the match and may move after the confirmed team news.
Bodø/Glimt to Win
Bodø/Glimt are priced between approximately 1.26 and 1.31.
The draw is available around 5.00 to 6.00, while a Lillestrøm victory ranges from roughly 7.00 to 9.00.
The home side deserve to be strong favourites, but odds close to 1.30 offer little value as an individual selection.
Verdict: Highly likely, but too short.
Bodø/Glimt Asian Handicap -1.5
The home side are available around 1.80 to 1.84 to win by two or more goals.
Glimt have covered this handicap in three of their last four league matches and in both previous meetings with Lillestrøm this year.
Høgh and Evjen are important absences, but Glimt scored three times against Sandefjord without relying on Høgh for a goal. Their attacking depth remains superior to Lillestrøm’s defensive options.
Verdict: Strongest market.
Over 3.5 Goals
Over 3.5 goals is priced at approximately 1.84 to 1.87, with the under available close to 1.90.
Glimt are capable of scoring four goals on their own, but Lillestrøm may defend with five players and prioritise keeping the match close.
The absence of Høgh also adds uncertainty to the home side’s finishing.
Verdict: Possible, but less reliable than the handicap.
Both Teams to Score – Yes
Both Teams to Score – Yes is available at approximately 1.59 to 1.67, while No is priced around 2.20.
Searches for бесплатные прогнозы на футбол с высоким коэффициентом may lead bettors towards combining a Glimt win with both teams scoring. Lillestrøm have enough pace and set-piece strength to contribute, but Glimt’s four consecutive clean sheets make that combination riskier than the attractive odds suggest.
Verdict: Slight preference for BTTS – No at the larger price.
Bodø/Glimt to Win Both Halves
Glimt have the quality to dominate both periods, but this market demands an early goal and sustained attacking intensity.
They were only 1-0 ahead at half-time against Sandefjord and scored twice during the final minutes. That performance showed how comfortable they are winning through patience rather than constant pressure.
Verdict: Avoid unless the price is above 2.50.
Bodø/Glimt to Win and Over 2.5 Goals
This combination should be priced between approximately 1.55 and 1.70.
It covers likely results such as 3-0, 3-1 and 4-1, while offering a better return than the standard home win.
Verdict: Sensible accumulator option, but still shorter than the preferred handicap.
Best Bet
Bodø/Glimt Asian Handicap -1.5
The preferred selection for Bodø/Glimt vs Lillestrøm is:
Bodø/Glimt AH -1.5 at odds of 1.80 or higher
Glimt enter the match with four consecutive victories, four clean sheets and nine goals scored since the league resumed. They have already defeated Lillestrøm 4-0 and 2-0 during 2026.
The visitors are having a respectable season, but their recent defeat to Viking exposed the same problem seen against other top teams. They can compete for long periods but are slightly less precise in the moments that decide matches.
Rather than treating платные прогнозы с высокой проходимостью as a reason to accept the very short home-win price, the handicap offers a more realistic return for the level of difference between these sides at Aspmyra.
There are risks.
Høgh has left, Evjen is injured and Lillestrøm have added experience through Gulbrandsen and Kristiansen. The visitors may also defend with a deep back five and make the opening half difficult.
Glimt should still create enough pressure.
Their full-backs can pin Lillestrøm deep, Berg should control midfield and Hauge, Brynhildsen, Blomberg and Helmersen provide several different attacking routes.
A one-goal victory is possible, but the stronger outcome is another controlled Glimt win by at least two goals.
Best Bet: Bodø/Glimt AH -1.5
Minimum acceptable odds: 1.80
Score Prediction
Bodø/Glimt 3-0 Lillestrøm
Lillestrøm should remain competitive during the opening stages.
Their back line has experience, Dahlberg is a reliable goalkeeper and the visitors can make the match physical through midfield. They may also threaten from a corner or free kick.
The longer the match continues, however, the more Glimt’s movement should create problems.
Bjørkan and Sjøvold will force the visiting wing-backs deeper, Berg should control possession and Hauge can attack the spaces that appear around Lillestrøm’s central defenders.
The absence of Høgh may reduce Glimt’s efficiency during certain periods, but the recent win in Sandefjord showed that the goals can come from several different players.
Correct score prediction: Bodø/Glimt 3-0 Lillestrøm
Alternative prediction: Bodø/Glimt 3-1 Lillestrøm
FAQ
When is Bodø/Glimt vs Lillestrøm?
The match will be played on Friday, 31 July 2026.
What time does the match start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 in Norway and 22:00 in Bulgaria.
Where will the match be played?
The game will take place at Aspmyra Stadion in Bodø. The stadium uses an artificial playing surface.
What are the current league positions?
Bodø/Glimt are first with 35 points from 15 matches. Lillestrøm are fourth with 25 points from 14 games.
How did the previous league meeting finish?
Bodø/Glimt won 2-0 at Åråsen on 26 April 2026.
Is Kasper Høgh available?
No. Høgh has left Bodø/Glimt and joined Celtic.
Is Håkon Evjen available?
No. Evjen suffered a knee injury against Sandefjord and will spend a period on the sidelines.
Who could replace Kasper Høgh?
Andreas Helmersen is the most natural central-striker option. Ola Brynhildsen can also play through the middle, while young Mikkel Bro Hansen provides an alternative from the bench.
Who is the favourite?
Bodø/Glimt are strong favourites, with prices ranging from approximately 1.26 to 1.31.
What is the best bet?
Bodø/Glimt -1.5 Asian Handicap at odds of 1.80 or higher is the preferred selection.
What is the predicted score?
The prediction is Bodø/Glimt 3-0 Lillestrøm.
Conclusion
Bodø/Glimt have lost two important attacking players from the lineup that started the summer, but the club’s overall structure remains extremely strong.
Høgh’s finishing will be missed, and Evjen’s injury removes energy and creativity from midfield. Even so, Knutsen can still select Hauge, Brynhildsen, Blomberg, Helmersen, Auklend, Saltnes and Berg.
The recent defensive form is equally important.
Glimt have recorded four straight clean sheets and have looked comfortable controlling matches even when an early second goal does not arrive.
Lillestrøm deserve respect.
They are fourth in the table, returned from the break with two victories and have improved their squad with Gulbrandsen and Kristiansen. Vá, Paintsil and Nyheim also give them enough speed to create problems if Glimt lose possession carelessly.
The matchup at Aspmyra still favours the leaders heavily.
Glimt have won both meetings in 2026 without conceding, and their pressure should eventually force Lillestrøm’s defensive line deeper than Ødegaard would like.
Anyone using бесплатные прогнозы на футбол с высоким коэффициентом should resist turning the match into an unnecessarily complicated bet builder. The clearest value is the home side to win by at least two goals.
Final prediction: Bodø/Glimt to win
Best bet: Bodø/Glimt AH -1.5 at odds of 1.80 or higher
Correct score prediction: Bodø/Glimt 3-0 Lillestrøm