Union SG will be looking to bounce back from their opening-matchday defeat when they play host to Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday. In sharp contrast, the visitors are making the trip to Belgium on the back of beginning their campaign in perfect fashion. © Imago On the back of last season's second-placed finish in the Belgian top flight, the assumption was that Union SG would be back challenging again this time around.
While it remains early days in the campaign, they sit down in eighth position in the standings with just 13 points from their nine fixtures. Sebastian Pocognoli may have won the Belgian Super Cup since being appointed as head coach, but Union SG are currently on a run of just two wins from their last 10 outings in all competitions. The most recent of those came on Sunday as they overcame lowly Kortrijk by a 3-0 scoreline, three days on from their Europa League defeat to Fenerbahce.
A 73rd-minute dismissal did not help their cause, yet Les Unionistes must find a way of responding to avoid remaining on the back foot in their bid to qualify for at least the last 24. From the perspective of Bodo/Glimt, converting a seven-point lead in the Eliterserien may be their priority over the coming months. Nevertheless, Kjetil Knutsen and his side will also want to take advantage of gaining a foothold in their efforts to enjoy an extended run in this competition.
Bodo/Glimt impressively came from behind to record a 3-2 victory over Porto last week, just three day.