Norway – Scotland : Preview & Prediction
Although this North Sea rivalry is perhaps more famous in the legendary play Macbeth than in real life, the Norwegian national team has just one point from its first two Euro 2024 qualifiers and is in danger of writing its own tragedy. A win on Saturday is vital for the Nordic side as they bid to return to the finals of a major tournament 24 years after their first and only appearance at EURO 2024 (2000).
Ståle Solbakken’s side are looking to end a run of four competitive matches without a win or scoring more than one goal. The contribution of Erling Haaland, who is sure to be more motivated than ever at the Ullevaal Stadion after winning his first Champions League last Saturday, will be crucial, although the Manchester City star has not scored in an international match since September 2022.
Spain, the highest-ranked team in Group A, are currently playing in the UEFA Nations League finals, giving Scotland the chance to extend their lead at the top to six points. Unlike Norway, the Scots have had no offensive problems of late, winning the first two matchdays with five goals scored and none conceded.
In the second matchday, Steve Clarke’s side pulled off a surprise 2-0 win over three-time European champions Spain. Clarke can become only the second coach to lead Scotland to a second successive European Championship finals after Craig Brown, under whom Scotland qualified for the 1996 edition.
Much has changed since Scotland’s last visit to this stadium (August 2009, 2010 World Cup qualifiers), which ended in a 4-0 drubbing by Norway, but it is hard to ignore a record of just one win in their last six outings in all competitions against teams currently ranked in the top fifty in the FIFA rankings (G1, E3, P2 in 90 mins).
Players to watch: They were rivals in the anthemic 2022-23 Premier League (PL) title race, but goalscorer Haaland and creative midfielder Martin Ødegaard form a fearsome duo in Norway. None of the 35 PL 2022-23 matches with any goals from Haaland or Ødegaard have ended in defeat for their teams (G30, E5). For the visitors, Scott McTominay (Manchester United) made a sensational start to qualifying, scoring braces against Cyprus and Spain in March.
Key statistic: Four of the six previous meetings between Norway and Scotland in this century have ended 0-0 at half-time.
Norway – Scotland : Betting Tips
Norway – Win Odds: 2.25
