Norway-Scotland is a match on the third day of Group A of the Euro 2024 qualifiers and is played on Saturday at 18:00: predictions
Everything is still wide open in Group A, the one that in theory should be dominated by Spain. But Luis de la Fuente’s selection, who are currently playing in the Final Four of the Nations League, were beaten by surprise on the second day in Scotland, suffering an ugly defeat that has, in fact, prevented them from escaping. There is still hope, then, for both the Scots themselves, first with full points, and Norway.
The selection in which the current best centre forward in the world, Erling Haaland, plays can count – apart from the Manchester City slinger – on players of great quality such as Odegaard, one of the stars of Arsenal who finished second in the Premier League. Or on people who have accumulated a lot of international experience in recent years, including the ‘Italians’ Ostigard and Solbakken. Norway, however, did not enchant at all in the first qualifying matches, perhaps also due to the absence of Haaland. They lost decisively to Spain (3-0) and did not go beyond a draw with Kvaratskhelia’s Georgia (1-1), another possible revelation in this round.
Norway already with their backs to the wall?
The Scandinavians have just one point and can do no wrong against Scotland, who already have six, making it an in or out game for them.
Scotland’s players
If the selection coached by Stale Solbakken intends to qualify for a European Championship for the first time since the 2000 edition, they have no other result at their disposal than victory. It is a different story for Steve Clarke’s Scots, who, after their feat against Spain, could do with a draw in Oslo. Prior to their success against the Iberians, Scotland had beaten Cyprus 2-0, making them one of the few teams in these qualifiers who have not conceded a goal in the first 180 minutes. The British had actually also done very well in the Nations League, winning their group and gaining promotion to League A. Scotland have not faced Norway since 2013 and out of 18 clashes with the Scandinavians they have won nine.
The Prediction
Norway with Haaland in doubt: the powerful centre-forward is in the squad but is fresh from celebrating his Champions League win with Manchester City and could start on the bench. In any case, Solbakken’s selection should be able to come out on top in what promises to be a hard-fought game in which both sides – Norway have not recorded a clean sheet in seven games – will score at least one goal.
Norway v Scotland line-ups
- NORWAY (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Ostigard, Meling; Odegaard, Berg, Aursnes; Solbakken, Haaland, Elyounoussi.
- SCOTLAND (3-4-2-1): Gunn; Tierney, Souttar, Porteous; Hickey, McGregor, McTominay, Robertson; McGinn, Christie; Dykes.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
