Prediction: Norway vs Austria

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

After a long journey to central Asia last week, Norway return home to host Austria in their UEFA Nations League match on Monday. The two teams meet in Oslo with the group still wide open, as both opening matches in Group B3 ended in draws.

Norway will be eager to make the most of home advantage, while Austria will be looking to build on their solid start.

Norway

Norway’s 0-0 draw away in Kazakhstan did little to alleviate the mounting pressure on manager Stale Solbakken, who has been criticized for not getting the most out of a highly talented squad. Despite having attacking stars like Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, and Martin Odegaard, Norway has yet to translate their potential into tangible success on the international stage.

Their failure to qualify for Euro 2024, particularly after a dramatic collapse against Scotland, means that Norway’s wait for a major tournament appearance now stretches to 22 years. The UEFA Nations League provides another opportunity, potentially offering a playoff route to the next World Cup, but the dropped points in Kazakhstan mark a disappointing start for the Norwegians, especially against League B debutants.

The game in Kazakhstan was a dull affair, with only one shot on target across both teams, and Norway’s form in 2024 now stands at just one win in five matches.

They will be eager to turn things around as they prepare to face an Austrian side in Oslo, with memories of their 2-1 home defeat to Austria in the Nations League back in 2020 still lingering.

Team News

Despite Norway’s underwhelming performance in their 0-0 draw against Kazakhstan, Solbakken is expected to make minimal changes to his side for the upcoming clash with Austria. Fulham’s new signing, Sander Berge, is the most likely candidate to come into the starting lineup after being on the bench last Friday, with Patrick Berg of Bodo/Glimt possibly making way.

Odegaard is set to captain the team once again, while Erling Haaland will be eager to get back on the scoresheet after being kept quiet by Kazakhstan. The absence of Haaland’s Manchester City teammate, Oscar Bobb, due to a serious leg injury is a significant blow, but Solbakken still has attacking options in Sorloth and Antonio Nusa. Both are expected to start alongside Haaland in the front three.

With Austria offering a tougher challenge, Solbakken will be hoping his squad can show more cohesion and attacking threat to get Norway’s campaign back on track.

Austria

Austria, like Norway, began their Nations League campaign with a draw, taking a point away from Slovenia after a shorter journey than their Scandinavian counterparts.

Under Ralf Rangnick, Austria impressed during Euro 2024, notably beating the Netherlands to top their group ahead of the Dutch and France. Austria’s recent performances have raised expectations, and they will be aiming to build on their momentum as they take on Norway.

Austria’s defeat to Turkey in the knockout stage of Euro 2024 was only their third in 13 competitive matches, with their other losses coming against heavyweights France and Belgium. This strong run of form will have bolstered optimism and raised expectations around Das Team.

Despite challenging circumstances, Austria managed to secure a point in their 1-1 draw against Slovenia in Ljubljana. Rangnick expressed frustration over the poor condition of the pitch and the controversial decision to award Slovenia an early penalty, which Benjamin Sesko converted. However, Konrad Laimer quickly restored parity, and Austria left Slovenia in a decent position ahead of their second consecutive away game.

For Rangnick and Austria, the goal over the next three months is clear: to earn an immediate return to League A after their relegation in 2022. That campaign ended with a disappointing one point from their final five matches, leading to their drop to the second tier.

Austria will be determined to avoid a similar fate this time around, and a positive result against Norway would be a big step in that direction.

Team News

Rangnick has largely stuck with the core of his Euro 2024 squad, making few adjustments as they head into their Nations League clash against Norway. Philipp Lienhart is the only key player from the tournament missing, having been left at home. Injuries continue to affect Austria, with Kevin Danso, Michael Gregoritsch, and captain David Alaba all sidelined, the latter still recovering from a serious knee injury.

Rangnick may consider one notable personnel change for this match, with Christoph Baumgartner potentially coming into the starting XI. Baumgartner could replace Patrick Wimmer, providing a fresh option in attack.

Conclusion

Norway obviously have plenty of individual quality in their ranks, but they don’t look nearly as good on the pitch as a whole as they should. Their problems could open the door for Austria, who, by contrast, don’t have many stars but play like a well-organized team, to snatch all three points.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet