Norway will look to continue their unbeaten start to the 2024/25 Nations League with a positive result at home to Slovenia on Thursday.
Erling Haaland and co. didn't take part in the European Championships in the summer so there is a point to be proved by them, though Slovenia are also unbeaten in their two Nations League matches so far.
Match Preview
Norway Recent Form
In September, Norway started off their Nations League campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Kazakhstan but recovered impressively to defeat Austria 2-1, with Felix Myhre and Haaland scoring the goals.
They played two friendlies in June, beating Kosovo 3-0 and losing 3-1 to Denmark.
Norway Injury News
The main injury concern for Norway remains Martin Odegaard who has not played for club Arsenal since Norway's 2-1 win against Austria in which he suffered ankle ligament damage. He's not in the squad for this one and likely won't return for the Gunners until next month.
Man City's Oscar Bobb is another notable absence for head coach Stale Solbakken.
Norway Squad
Goalkeepers: Dyngeland, Nyland, Selvik
Defenders: Ajer, Heggem, Langas, Hanche-Olsen, Holmgren Pedersen, Ryerson, Wolfe, Ostigard
Midfielders: Berg, Berge, Donnum, Hauge, Myhre, Nusa, Thorsby, Thorstvedt, Vetlesen
Forwards: Haaland, Strand Larsen, Sorloth
Last Norway Lineup
Here's how Norway lined up against Austria.
(4-4-2): Nyland; Ryerson, Hanche-Olsen, Ostigard, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Berg, Myhre; Haaland, Sorloth
Slovenia Recent Form
Slovenia are also unbeaten so far in the Nations League. In September they drew 1-1 with Austria before beating Kazakhstan 3-0, with star striker Benjamin Sesko scoring a hat-trick in the latter.
Remarkably, Slovenia went unbeaten at the Euros as they drew every game in the group and drew their first knockout match in normal time against Portugal, which they eventually lost on penalties.
Slovenia Injury News
There are slightly surprising call ups for Blaz Kramer, Jan Repas, David Zec and Sven Sostaric Karic but all have been involved in Slovenia squads previously.
Slovenia Squad
Goalkeepers: Oblak, Vidovsek, Vekic
Defenders: Stojanovic, Bijol, Balkovec, Janza, Drkusic, Bajric, Zec, Karis
Midfielders: Kurtic, Ilicic, Cerin, Lovric, Mlakar, Elsnik, Horvat, Repas, Petrovic
Forwards: Sporar, Sesko, Celar, Vipotnik, Kramer
Last Slovenia Lineup
Here's how Slovenia lined up against Kazakhstan.
(4-4-2): Oblak, Brekalo, Drkusic, Bijol, Janza; Stojanovic, Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar; Sesko, Celar
Norway - Player To Watch
Erling Haaland has been a goalscoring machine so far this campaign with 11 goals in nine starts so far for Man City, while he also scored last time out for Norway.
Slovenia - Player To Watch
Benjamin Sesko remains a wanted man in the transfer market and will likely make a big move in the future. In his last game for his country, he scored a hat trick.
Norway vs Slovenia - Prediction
Slovenia have proved to be a very tough nut to crack as they are unbeaten in seven matches (in normal time) in all competitions, while Norway remain without their influential playmaker Odegaard.
Scoreline prediction - Norway 1-1 Slovenia
Norway vs Slovenia - Betting Tips
The Draw
- Slovenia have drawn five out of their last six competitive games in normal time
- Norway have drew two out of their last three competitive games
