The bookmakers have Norway as warm favourites to claim their first victory of Euro 2024 qualifying when they square off against Scotland on Saturday teatime. Stale Solbakken’s side have struggled to get going although a defeat away to Spain at least got the toughest fixture out of the way first, while a trip to Georgia was also a challenge and that ended in a draw.
However, this is a big game for a Norwegian side who are likely to be battling it out with Scotland for the second qualifying spot. Erling Haaland will return to the team and he will be determined to cause problems for opposition who were able to tame Spain 2-0 at Hampden Park a few months ago, although things might be different on the road.
The Scots were able to qualify for Euro 2020 and they are currently on course for a second second consecutive European Championship, with Steve Clarke hoping that midfielders such as John McGinn and Scott McTominay can produce a high level performance, while Club Brugge defender Jack Hendry could be the man tasked with stopping Haaland.
Norway are far from a one-man team, with Martin Odegaard having enjoyed a sensational season for Arsenal and the midfielder will be looking to link up with Haaland and make sure that the Norwegians are able to get back on track. However, the home side have been something of a slump and they have just one win from six matches played.
Along with Haaland, Alexander Sorloth is an impressive forward who plays for Real Sociedad, while there is plenty of experience in the home team’s ranks. We can expect thew visitors to aim to keep things tight and perhaps anyone wanting to back Norway can go for them to achieve a victory without conceding in this game.