Prediction: Norway vs Serbia

Prediction: Norway win

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Betfair

Another international break is upon us and yet despite the apathy that tends to create from domestic football fans, there are some important steps to be taken on the Road to UEFA Euro 2021. A parade of semi-finals are set to take place in the playoffs to ensure that we know which teams will be battling it out for a place in the tournament next month. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at what is bound to be an intriguing contest between Norway and Serbia.

Norway

The Norwegians enjoyed something of a bright spell between 1994 and 2000 when they qualified for two World Cups and one European Championship, but 20 years on, they’re still waiting for another taste of competing on the big stage. They appear to be bringing through some really intriguing youngsters and while the primary goal may well be to get them ready for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Euros could serve as a huge opportunity for them to shine.

Team News

Nyland has been forced to pull out of the squad due to injury but he likely wouldn’t have started anyway. After their big win over Northern Ireland, the expectation is that the same or a similar starting XI will feature here with Haaland leading the attack.

Serbia

They’ve been known as Yugoslavia and they’ve been known as Serbia and Montenegro, but for the last 14 years, the Serbians have stood on their own two feet as an independent footballing nation. They had some minor success in 2010 and 2018 when they qualified for the World Cup but they have never qualified for the European Championship with their last appearance being as part of Yugoslavia in 2000 when they reached the quarter-finals.

Team News

There are no fresh injury or suspension concerns for Serbia to worry about heading into this one, despite the fact Kolarov was sent off in his last international outing. In terms of the formation, they are somewhat surprisingly expected to push on with a three-man defence.

Factors to Consider

• Norway finished third in Group F with 17 points whereas Serbia finished third in Group B with 14 points, playing two games less.
• Norway have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Serbia have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Norway have scored 14 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Serbia have scored nine goals and conceded eight in their last six games.

Conclusion

When the stakes are this high in one-off games such as this, it feels like the momentum is always going to swing in the direction of the team who provides the most excitement. Norway definitely falls into that category right now and while Serbia will probably be the ones who attempt to grind out an ugly win, we don’t think it’s going to be enough. We’re backing the Norwegians to continue their ascent as one of European football’s rising stars.

Prediction: Norway win

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Betfair