UEFA Nations League Preview: Norway vs Slovenia

Norway and Slovenia are set to face off in a UEFA Nations League encounter, aiming to maintain their unbeaten starts to the 2024-25 season. Both teams are currently level on four points in Group B3, sharing the top spot and sitting three points ahead of Austria and Kazakhstan.

Norway enters this contest as an established member of League B, having participated in the competition for three consecutive editions. Despite missing out on promotion last season, they have shown resilience, beginning their current campaign with a frustrating goalless draw in Kazakhstan followed by a narrow 2-1 victory over Austria at home. Striker Erling Haaland contributed significantly, scoring his 32nd international goal to secure victory after Felix Myhre’s opener had been equalized by the Austrians.

Slovenia, on the other hand, are competing in League B for the second straight campaign. Matjaž Kek‘s side also boasts an impressive start, holding a win and a draw in their initial matches. Slovenia’s campaign kicked off with a 1-1 draw against Austria before they convincingly defeated Kazakhstan 3-0, courtesy of a hat-trick from Benjamin Sesko. However, they will need to overcome their recent struggles in away matches as they head to Norway.

Norway will be without their captain Martin Ødegaard, who is recovering from an ankle injury. This absence presents an opportunity for Kristian Thorstvedt to step into a starting role. Norway manager Ståle Solbakken will also look to Haaland, who has been a prolific scorer with 13 goals in his 12 Nations League appearances.

Slovenia will rely on their star players, with goalkeeper Jan Oblak expected to be a key figure. Benjamin Sesko, fresh from his goal-scoring exploits, will lead the attack alongside Andraž Šporar. The Slovenian defense also remains robust, with players like Jaka Bijol and Petar Stojanovic forming a reliable backline.

Historically, the teams have been evenly matched, with Norway holding a slight edge with six wins compared to Slovenia’s two in their past 11 encounters. Despite the mixed head-to-head record, Slovenia will draw confidence from their last meeting, where they secured a 2-1 victory over Norway in the 2022 Nations League.

Betting odds favor Norway, with them being priced at 8/13 for a victory, while Slovenia is at 9/2, and a draw at 3/1. This match is anticipated to be a high-scoring affair given the attacking talents on both sides, with Norway’s Haaland and Slovenia’s Sesko being prime contenders to impact the scoreline.