Prediction: Norway vs Spain

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Hoping to find a route to the top of the Group A table on Sunday night, Spain will travel to Oslo when they meet Norway.

Norway

Starting with the hosts, while Norway might still be facing a real uphill battle in their bid to secure a ticket for EURO 24, Stale Solbakken’s side are in the midst of a recent Group A purple patch. Last seen marking their return to qualifying duties earlier in the week as they breezed their way to a routine 4-0 romp against Cyprus, the Lions will be more than aware that they face another must-win showdown here. However, signing off September’s international break with a lively 2-1 victory against Georgia, the one-time Wolves boss has seen his squad win each of their previous three Group A appearances. Bouncing back after their sluggish start to this year’s qualifying campaign, Norway will also be excited by their recent clinical performances in the final third. In fact, along with a 6-0 romp against Jordan in a friendly showdown last month, Sunday’s hosts have notched 15 strikes in their last four contests across all formats.

Team News

Bagging a brace against Cyprus earlier in the week, the record-breaking Erling Haaland will once again spearhead Norway’s charge on Sunday night. Likewise, also getting on the scoresheet in midweek, Villarreal marksman Alexander Sorloth will join Haaland in the final third.

Making the move to Spanish outfit Sevilla this summer, 33-year-old Orjan Nyland will start between the sticks here. Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard will earn a 54th international cap in Oslo.

Spain

As for the visitors, getting their hands on a maiden Nations League crown back in June, Spain have certainly come roaring back from their rocky Group A start. Now sat firmly in pole position to punch their ticket to EURO 24, La Roja will be looking to lay down another qualifying marker here. Marking their return earlier in the week as they claimed a gritty 2-0 victory at home against a high-flying Scotland, Luis de la Fuente’s side should find the mood in their camp at a real high. Signing off September’s international break with a 6-0 romp against Cyprus, the former European champions have now won each of their previous six appearances across all formats. Looking to take a giant step towards clinching a top-two finish, Spain will be excited by their most recent meeting against Sunday’s hosts. Landing a 3-0 victory when they welcomed Norway to Malaga back on March 25th, de la Fuente will be calling on a repeat performance here.

Team News

Finding the net against Scotland earlier in the week and notching his fourth Group A strike, the red-hot Alvaro Morata will once again lead out Spain on Sunday night. Despite serving a recent domestic ban, Manchester City midfielder Rodri will keep his spot at the heart of de la Fuente’s midfield.

Coming off the bench and bagging a debut goal against the Tartan Army in midweek, 23-year-old Oihan Sancet will be hoping to make a first start for La Roja in Oslo.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Norway and Spain met for their reverse Group A meeting back on March 25th, La Roja claimed a 3-0 romp in Malaga.
• Likewise, Spain have won each of their last five appearances across all competitions.
• Along with winning each of their last four contests across all formats, Norway have also bagged 15 strikes on that four-match winning run.
• Including a goal against Scotland in midweek, Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has notched four Group A strikes.
• Each of Norway’s last seven appearances on home soil have finished with over 1.5 goals.

Conclusion

Landing what was a crucial 2-0 victory against Scotland earlier in the week, Spain will know the importance of laying down another Group A marker on Sunday night. In the midst of an extended flurry and winning each of their last five appearances across all competitions, La Roja will also be excited by their most recent showdown against a high-flying Norway. Cruising their way to a 3-0 romp when they welcomed the Lions to Malaga back in March, neutrals could be treated to another enjoyable affair here. It is worth highlighting, with Solbakken’s side seeing each of their previous seven home fixtures finish with over 1.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome this weekend.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet