Ragnarok is a series of events leading to a great battle in Norse Mythology. Perhaps that battle will be tomorrow, when Milan take on Norway's league leaders, Bodø/Glimt. In our path to Europa League qualification lies the reigning Eliteserien champions, who currently lead this year's table by 16 points, with 12 rounds to go. They face a tough AC Milan side, though, that features a couple of vikings of our own. Maybe it's just the fate of Europa League qualification at stake, but I would like to see an epic battle on the pitch at the San Siro, the fate of the Gods.
 |
| Hmmm... they don't look like fierce Vikings... |
Bodø/Glimt, however will fear no one. They will fight with honor, and die with honor (metaphorically speaking) if necessary. Also, they do not put pineapple on their pizza, they are warriors. However, Knutsen has his work cut out for him, preparing his vikings for battle. In their 3-1 victory over Brann on Sunday in the Eliteserien, Knutsen lined up: Khaykin; Sampsted, Moe, Lode, Bjørkan; Fet, Berg, Saltnes; Zinckernagel, Boniface, and Hauge. It appears that Knutsen will have his full squad available for this match.
 |
| Fierce warriors |
Milan are in great form right now, led by the viking god himself, Ibrahimovic, who scored a brace on Sunday. Likewise, with Romagnoli having been out injured, our viking center back, Kjær, has been defending fiercely in his stead. Romagnoli returned to training this week, but it is unclear as of this writing if he would be fit enough to be risked in this match.
There are some doubts as to Castillejo's fitness as well, although he will likely be available. Musacchio and Conti are both still out injured, and Rebic is suspended for this match due to a fierce battle while he was at Eintracht Frankfurt. They are expected to progress and do battle in the Europa League proper, for honor alone. However, expectations can weigh heavy, and the team will need to focus on the battle on the pitch.
 |
| One of these two will be captain tomorrow |
On paper, Milan have the advantage, especially the home advantage. But vikings do not battle on paper. They battle on the pitch. So it remains to be seen whether or not Milan can defeat a whole team of vikings. If there is one thing football has taught me, it is to always respect an opponent, because anything can happen in 90 minutes. The other thing I have learned is to never underestimate viking warriors, the fate of the gods could depend on it.
This post inspired by the music of Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries"
Reviewed by Elaine
on
12:30 AM
Rating:
