Norway vs Scotland betting tips: Euro 2024 qualifier preview, predictions, team news and odds
Table of Contents
Norway vs Scotland: Head to head statistics
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Norway vs Scotland recommended bets
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Norway vs Scotland match preview
Will Scotland’s 100% record in Euro 2024 qualifying continue?
Back in March, the Dark Blues began this campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Cyprus.
John McGinn, who else, breaking the deadlock before Scott McTominay came off the bench to bag a brace.
Three days later, the Tartan Army could celebrate one of the most famous Hampden nights for a generation, as Steve Clarke’s team defeated Spain 2-0, with the unlikely hero McTominay scoring twice once again.
This leaves Scotland sitting pretty at the top of Group A, but there’s still plenty of work to do.
The Tartan Army’s 23-year exile from a major tournaments came to an end two years ago before, later in 2021, they finished in the top two of a qualification group for the first time since Euro 2004 qualifying.
Having experienced that heartbreak, Clarke’s team are determined not to miss out on Germany 2024, targeting automatic qualification, thereby avoiding the lottery that is the single-elimination play-offs.
With Spain widely-expected to top the section, Norway are Scotland’s most-likely rivals for second spot, making this clash in Oslo pivotal for both.
Ståle Solbakken’s side actually endured a disappointed start to this campaign in March, smashed 3-0 by Spain in Málaga before only managing a 1-1 draw with Georgia in Batumi.
Amazingly, the Lions haven’t qualifier for any major tournament since Euro 2000, suffering a play-off defeat at the hands of Serbia, who’d go on to lose to Scotland, two years ago.
So, can Norway claim a win that would propel them right back into contention at Ullevål Stadion, or will Scotland pull clear at the top of Group A with a momentous victory?
Norway team news
Captain Martin Ødegaard will win his 50th international cap while Erling Braut Håland, fresh from winning the Champions League, will be looking to add to his 21 goals for his country, coming in just 23 appearances.
Given that this team boasts two of the Premier League’s best players, they’ll always be a threat, despite clear deficiencies in other areas.
Alexander Sørloth will partner Håland in attack, while Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes will be at the base of midfield, creating a platform on which Ødegaard can shine.
Centre-back Kristoffer Ajer, who’s struggled for fitness lately, will be a familiar face to Scottish viewers, having spent five seasons at Celtic.
Scotland team news
Craig Gordon, Scott McKenna, Tony Ralston, David Turnbull and Ché Adams are all injured while John Souttar is a major doubt.
Ahead of the March double-header, all three goalkeepers were uncapped, with Angus Gunn given the nod, and his record so far reads: played two, won two, two clean sheets.
He is the first Scotland goalkeeper to win and not concede in his first two appearances since Jim Herriot 55 years ago.
Lewis Ferguson has been on fire for Bologna this season, so it’ll be interesting to see if he’s done enough to earn a start.
Scotland last faced Norway a decade ago, winning a friendly 1-0 at Røkkeløkka, with Scott Brown the match-winner, while that XI also featured Gordon Greer, Ikechi Anya and current Hearts manager Steven Naismith.
Euro 2024 qualifying Group A table
Euro 2024 qualifying Group A results and fixtures
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