Wales will be looking to make it two wins against Norway in the Nations League this campaign following their impressive 2-1 win over the World Cup quarter-finalists last month. To have any hope of reaching the next stage, Wales really need three points from this clash, as do Norway. With that in mind, it could be an end-to-end affair in Ullevaal.
Norway failing to replicate World Cup form
Norway were arguably the feel good story at the World Cup. It was their first appearance since France ’98 and they were so close to reaching the semi-finals. England stopped them in their tracks, but the likes of Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Antonio Nusa all shone in North America.
The current Nations League campaign, however, is proving to be more difficult to navigate. Across their four games so far, the Norwegians have lost three times – once to Wales and twice against Portugal – while securing just a single victory against Denmark.
As such, Ståle Solbakken’s men find themselves bottom of the group, although they trail the Danes in second place by just three points. Wins over Wales and their Scandinavian rivals could see them seal second spot behind Portugal, but this post-World Cup malaise must end soon.
Goals haven’t been a problem. They’ve scored six in four games. At the other end of the pitch, though, Norway have conceded eight goals in those matches, which is the worst defensive record in the group.
Concede less, score more. Sounds easy, right? But Wales could be stubborn opponents once again.
Wales looking for back-to-back wins
Wales have enjoyed steady progress under Craig Bellamy and the win over Norway proved how well they can perform when at their best.
Like the Norwegians, Wales have also suffered three defeats, albeit narrow ones, in the group. They were unlucky against Denmark and Portugal, suffering 1-0 losses, while the Danes triumphed 2-0 in Copenhagen.
In truth, Wales are pushing above their weight in League A, yet that doesn’t mean they will be wanting to go straight back down to League B at the end of the campaign. A similar display to the one which saw them seal a superb 2-1 win over Norway last month could certainly give their chances of finishing in the top-two a massive boost.
Solbakken’s men will be out for revenge, but under Bellamy, Wales should never be counted out.
Team news
Solbakken has a full-strength side to choose from ahead of this game, although there are several players, including Ødegaard, who are at the risk of suspension should they pick up a booking.
For Wales, Benjamin Cabango and Sorba Thomas will miss the game due to suspension. On the injury front, only Jordan James is missing from the squad ahead of this game.
Prediction
Wales will be out to prove that their 2-1 win in the previous meeting between the countries wasn’t a fluke by coming back with at least a point. Norway, however, are sitting bottom of the group and are in desperate need of a spark which could see them secure a spot in the next stage of the Nations League.
I think they will come good on Saturday evening. Norway 2 -0 Wales.
