Prediction: Norway vs Slovenia

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 14/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Norway and Slovenia will look to extend their unbeaten runs in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League when they meet in Oslo on Saturday.

Both teams have started the campaign positively, collecting four points each in Group B3, which places them at the top of the standings, three points ahead of Austria and Kazakhstan.

Norway

Norway are embarking on their third consecutive campaign in League B of the UEFA Nations League, having narrowly missed out on promotion during the 2022/23 edition. They secured three wins, one draw, and two losses in their six matches, finishing three points behind group winners Serbia.

This time around, Stale Solbakken’s side kicked off their current campaign with a frustrating goalless draw away to Kazakhstan. However, they bounced back with a narrow 2-1 victory over Austria in their second match, thanks to Manchester City star Erling Haaland’s 32nd international goal, which came after Felix Myhre’s opener had been cancelled out by Marcel Sabitzer.

Now aiming for back-to-back wins for the first time since September/October 2023, Norway will rely on their solid home record in the Nations League. They have been difficult to beat on home soil, winning seven of their 10 Nations League matches played at home (D1, L2). This gives them confidence as they prepare to host Slovenia in a crucial clash in Group B3.

Team News

Norway will be without their captain, Martin Odegaard, for the upcoming match against Slovenia, as the Arsenal midfielder is recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the last international break. His absence will force Stale Solbakken to make at least one change to the team that secured a 2-1 win over Austria.

With Odegaard sidelined, young winger Antonio Nusa could be among the candidates to step in and add creativity to the Norwegian midfield. However, the main attacking responsibility will once again fall to Erling Haaland, who has been Norway’s top performer in the Nations League with 13 goals in 12 appearances in the competition.

Slovenia

Slovenia are competing in League B for the second consecutive Nations League campaign after finishing third in their group during the 2022/23 edition. Matjaz Kek’s side managed one win, three draws, and two losses, narrowly avoiding relegation and ending seven points behind the group winners.

In the current campaign, Slovenia have started stronger, taking four points from their first two matches. After a 1-1 draw with Austria, they secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Kazakhstan, courtesy of a hat-trick from rising star Benjamin Sesko. With this bright start, Slovenia are just two points away from matching their total points tally from the previous campaign.

However, their away form in the Nations League has been less than stellar, as they are winless in their last four away fixtures (D3, L1). Nevertheless, they will draw confidence from their recent encounters with Norway, as Slovenia remain unbeaten in the last three meetings, including a 2-1 win in their most recent clash in September 2022. This history could provide a psychological edge as they aim to end their away struggles.

Team News

Slovenia will be without key midfielders Sandi Lovric and Tomi Horvat, both sidelined due to injury. Despite these absences, they will rely on the experience of Jan Oblak in goal, one of the top goalkeepers in Europe, who will likely be protected by a back four consisting of Petar Stojanovic, Vanja Drkusic, Jaka Bijol, and Erik Janza.

Sesko will lead the line up front, aiming to continue his impressive form. The RB Leipzig striker has been a standout player this season, netting 10 goals for both club and country, and will be Slovenia’s key offensive threat as they seek a positive result in Oslo.

Conclusion

With both Norway and Slovenia boasting impressive attacking options, there is every reason to expect an exciting match on Thursday. Although Norway’s home advantage might give them an edge, Slovenia’s recent strong performances and solid defence, anchored by with Oblak between the posts, should level the field.

Given these factors, it seems likely that the game will be tightly contested. A draw appears to be a realistic outcome in what should be a hard-fought match.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 14/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet