Norway welcome Slovenia to Ullevaal Stadion for a UEFA Nations League Group B3 clash, with both teams looking to maintain their unbeaten start. The Norwegians will be counting on their home record and should have the upper hand on Thursday.
Norway are coming off a 2-1 victory over Austria last time out in the UEFA Nations League. Felix Myhre's early effort had been cancelled out by the Austrians before Erling Haaland netted the winner 10 minutes from time.
Having begun their campaign with a 0-0 draw in Kazakhstan, the win over Austria means Norway are unbeaten in Group B3. Manager Stale Solbakken will be keen to extend the team's solid home record having lost just once in their last five matches in front of their fans.
Slovenia are also unbeaten in the UEFA Nations League and boast a similar record to Norway having picked up one win and a draw so far. Matjaz Kek’s men are actually top of the standings due to a better goal difference.
That goal difference was boosted in their previous fixture as Slovenia earned a 3-0 victory over Kazakhstan, with Benjamin Sesko netting a hat-trick. A slight problem for the Slovenians is that they tend to do their best work at home and are winless in two of their last three away matches.
How the bookies view it: Norway to triumph
Norway have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 8/13 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Slovenia is valued at 9/2 while Betfred is also offering odds of 3/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Upper hand for Norway
Norway have a 6-2 advantage with three draws from 11 previous matches against Slovenia. However, the Slovenians claimed a 2-1 victory during the 2022 UEFA Nations League, with Sesko netting the winner.
Players to watch: Attacks to shine
Haaland remains a lethal attacking force for Norway and has scored five goals in the last four international appearances. With the likes of Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa also looking sharp, the Norwegians could be backed to produce over 1.5 goals at 4/6 with Betfred.
Sesko has also caught the eye for Slovenia in recent times, scoring four goals in the last two matches. With support from Andraz Sporar, the Slovenians could be backed to produce over 0.5 goals at 4/7 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Norway captain Martin Odegaard got injured in the last international break and remains sidelined. Kristian Thorstvedt is likely to take his place in midfield while Haaland and Sorloth should partner in attack.
Slovenia: Jan Oblak should start in goal once again for Slovenia, with Jaka Bijol expected to continue in defence. Sandi Lovric is likely to feature in midfield while Sesko and Sporar should partner up front.
Norway: Nyland, Moller Wolfe, Ajer, Hanche-Olsen, Ryerson, Myhre, Berge, Thorstvedt, Nusa, Sorloth, Haaland
Slovenia: Oblak, Janza, Bijol, Drkusic, Brekalo, Mlakar, Gnezda Cerin, Elsnik, Ilicic, Sporar, Sesko
Anything else catch the eye?
Norway and Slovenia have plenty of quality in attack and both teams could be backed to score at 4/5 with Betfred. The last meeting produced over 2.5 goals which is priced at 8/11 while Betfred is also offering 7/4 for over 3.5 goals.
Given the minimal odds for a straight Norway victory, a win and over 2.5 goals could be considered at 7/5 with Betfred. The Norwegians could also be backed to score in both halves at 7/5 with Betfred.
This UEFA Nations League match between Norway and Slovenia will be played on Oct 10, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Norway vs Slovenia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
