A final Group G fixture against leaders Netherlands in World Cup, qualifying is looming large for Norway but they must first battle Latvia on Saturday. The Norwegians have shown some good form lately and should comfortably get past the struggling Latvians.
Norway will go into Saturday’s clash looking to maintain the pressure on Group G leaders Netherlands as they sit just two points behind the Dutchmen. They will also need to cast a wary eye on Turkey who are third in the Group, two points behind them.
The good news for the Norwegians is they have shown their quality throughout the qualifiers, suffering just one defeat in eight matches. They have won three of their last four matches, including a 2-0 victory over Montenegro in their previous fixture.
Another positive for manager Stale Solbakken is that Norway have learned to play without striker Erling Haaland, who remains sidelined with injury. Kristian Thorstvedt and Mohamed Elyounoussi have stepped up lately and been among the goals in recent matches.
Latvia are out of contention for even a playoff finish and are only playing for pride at the moment. They have claimed just one win in eight qualifying matches and are second from bottom in the group, only above whipping boys Gibraltar.
Dainis Kazakevics’ men travel to Norway winless in their last four matches with three defeats in that run. They were beaten 2-1 at home by Turkey last time out in the qualifiers despite taking the lead midway through the second half.
A major problem for Latvia in the qualifiers is a lack of cutting edge in attack as they have failed to score in three of their last four matches.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have Norway as overwhelming favourites to win at 1/7 with bet365. An unlikely victory for Latvia is valued at 28/1 with betfair while Skybet is offering odds of 10/1 for a draw.
Head to head
Norway have a 2-1 advantage from three matches against Latvia. The Norwegians claimed a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture in September with Erling Haaland and Mohamed Elyounoussi getting the goals.
Players to watch
In the absence of Erling Haaland, Kristian Thorstvedt is likely to feature in attack and with two goals in his last three matches, could be tipped to score anytime at 13/10 with bet365. Midfielder Mohamed Elyounoussi is coming off a brace in his previous outing and could be considered in the same market at 29/20 with Unibet.
Given Latvia’s struggles in attack, Norway will be targeting a shutout on Saturday. Centre-backs Stefan Strandberg and Andreas Hanche-Olsen led the Norwegians to a clean sheet in their previous fixture against Montenegro and a repeat could be on the cards at 4/7 with betfair.
Anything else catch the eye?
Norway earned a win to nil in the reverse fixture and could be set for a repeat at 8/13 with bet365. Given the quality in the Norwegian attack, goals can be expected and a -2 handicap could be on the cards at 5/4 with betfair.
Norway have scored in both halves in their last two home matches and Saturday’s clash could follow a similar pattern at 8/11 with bet365. They could also be backed to win both halves at 15/13 with Sport Nation.
This World Cup match between Norway and Latvia will be played on Nov 13, 2021 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Norway vs Latvia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.