SCOTLAND couldn't have asked for a better start to their Euro 2024 campaign and if they can avoid defeat in Oslo against Norway it would take them another big stride towards automatic qualification.
Having moved up to Pot Two in UEFA's seedings, it looked like fate had dealt the Scots another bad hand when they were drawn in a tough group with Spain, the Norwegians, a dangerous Georgia side and Cyprus.
But after a routine 3-0 win over the Cypriots at Hampden, which brought up two bets for our man Mark, Steve Clarke's side conjured up their best result in decades when they defeated the Spaniards 2-0.
With Norway drawing against the Georgians on the same day it has left Scotland sitting top of the group and Clarke will be desperate to press home that advantage in a double-header with both those nations.
After picking up just a point from their first two qualifiers, this looks like a must-win fixture for the Norwegians, who haven't qualified for a major tournament since Euro 2000.
With Erling Haaland leading their line and Martin Odegaard pulling the strings in midfield, this is a team with great potential but that promise has yet to be realised.
There's still time for the Norwegians to come good in this group but anything less than a victory over Scotland would leave them with a big mountain to climb.
How the bookies view it
Despite their stunning start in Group A, Scotland are outsiders here at 3/1 with Coral. Norway are just evens with most firms while the draw pays 5/2 at Bet365.
Head to head
These sides first met in the 1998 World Cup finals and that 1-1 draw set the tone for the head-to-head, with nothing separating them across seven matches. Each nation has two wins and Scotland will be hoping for a repeat of the 1-0 win on their last visit to Norway in 2013.
Players to watch
All eyes will be on Haaland after his spectacular debut season with Manchester City. The hitman sits on 58 goals for club and country this term and will be desperate to add to that tally after going five matches without a goal. He's 10/11 with Bet365 for anytime scorer and 11/4 to break the deadlock.
Lyndon Dykes should lead the line for Scotland with Che Adams out injured. The QPR striker has an impressive strike rate of eight goals from 28 caps and look a bit overpriced at 10/3 with Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
Scotland have scored in 16 of their last 18 matches so BTTS looks a decent shout for this one at a best evens with William Hill. There's not much between the teams so the half-time draw also appeals at 11/10 with Unibet. McBookie also price a one-goal winning margin for either side at 6/5.
Ryan Porteous should start at the back for Scotland with Grant Hanley missing out through injury. The Watford stopper is always good value for a card and will have his hands full against Haaland. He's 12/5 with Bet365 to be carded.
Scotland games have generally been good value for corners and I like the evens on offer at Bet365 for over four first-half corners in this clash.
This UEFA Nations League match between Norway and Scotland will be played on Jun 17, 2023 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Norway vs Scotland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
