Norway continue their pursuit of Group G leaders Netherlands without star striker Erling Haaland when they face Montenegro at Ullevaal Stadium in a 2022 World Cup qualifier. The Norwegians are also looking to fend off the chasing pack and will be keen to claim all the points against an inconsistent Montenegro side.
Norway were held to a 1-1 draw by Turkey in their previous qualifying fixture. They fell behind early in the encounter but struck back through Kristian Thorstvedt just before the break and were able to hold on for the point.
It has been a solid qualifying campaign for Norway, who have suffered just one defeat in seven matches. They have claimed four wins in that run and are just two points behind Group G leaders Netherlands.
Manager Stale Solbakken favours an attacking style that has seen Norway find the net in six of their seven qualifying matches. However, they have struggle defensively and have kept just one clean sheet in their last five matches across all competitions.
Montenegro were victorious last time out in the qualifiers as they saw off Gibraltar 3-0. They made a fast start and took and early lead through Adam Marusic while Fatos Beciraj scored a goal in each half to seal a comfortable win.
The visitors have suffered two defeats in the qualifiers and are three points behind Norway in second place. Away from the qualifiers, Miodrag Radulovic's men have generally found things difficult lately with just one win in their last seven matches across all competitions.
Montenegro have also had a rough time on their travels and suffered a 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands prior to the victory over Gibraltar.
How the bookies view it
Norway have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 6/10 by betfair to claim the win. A victory for Montenegro is valued at 11/2 with Betfred while a draw is set at odds of 31/10 with SBK.
Head to head
Norway have a 2-1 edge from three previous matches against Montenegro. The Norwegians claimed a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture back in March.
Players to watch
Norway appear to be coping well with the absence of strikers Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth, who are both sidelined with injury. Kristian Thorstvedt has led the line well for the Norwegians with goals in his last two matches and could be backed to find the net at 21/10 with Paddy Power.
Montenegro will look to Fatos Beciraj for goals on Monday following his brace against Gibraltar. Betfair has the striker at 4/1 to score anytime.
Anything else catch the eye?
There has been BTTS in four of Norway’s last five matches and a similar outcome is priced at 13/10 with MansionBet. Over 2.5 goals can also be considered at 42/41 with SBK.
A win and over 2.5 goals could also be a wise punt for the Norwegians at 7/4 with bet365.
This World Cup match between Norway and Montenegro will be played on Oct 11, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Norway vs Montenegro prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
