Norway will be hosting Slovenia on the third matchday of UEFA Nations League B, with Norway trying to find their third straight win and Slovenia looking for their first points. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our Nations League odds series, which includes our Norway-Slovenia prediction and pick we have laid out below.
Norway has been the dominant factor in this group of UEFA Nations League B. Under the leadership of one Erling Haaland, the Norway squad got two wins, 1-0 over Serbia and 2-1 over Sweden, and now are looking to secure nine out of nine possible points with a win over Slovenia. On the other side of the group, Slovenia have conceded six and only scored once in this group and currently stand at zero points. They will be looking to surprise everyone with a win and get on the board in this group to have a chance to avoid relegation to UEFA Nations League C.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Norway-Slovenia Nations League odds:
Nations League Odds: Norway-Slovenia Odds
Norway: (-280)
Slovenia: (+750)
Draw: (+320)
Over: 2.5 (-108)
Under: 2.5 (-132)
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Why Norway Could Win This Game
There is an easy and complicated answer to this question. The complicated one would have to look at the way Norway has played in the last couple of months. Specifically, in 2022, Norway have four victories against four different opponents, scoring 14 goals and only conceding one. Despite the disappointing end of the 2022 World Cup qualification, they are setting up for a huge future and more appearances on the international stage, and a team like Slovenia, with all due respect, should be of no issue for the Norwegians.
As said above, that was the complicated answer. The simple one is just two words – Erling Haaland. The new Manchester City star signing and Norway's best player since John Arne Riise, Haaland has been on an absolute tear wherever he plays. In the national team, he already has 18 goals in 19 appearances and with Slovenia conceding six up until now, Haaland must be getting ready to pounce on that defense.
With Haaland in form and a generally strong squad, Norway should have no issues versus Slovenia. Playing at home also helps and it should be a great match and a real tone-setter for a squad that is eyeing that place in the UEFA Nations League A. Additionally, finishing first would give them an additional path to qualification for EURO 2024, should they not finish in one of the first two slots in their qualification group. Norway have all the reasons in the world to pursue a victory in this match.
Why Slovenia Could Win This Match
It has been rough for Slovenia in the last couple of years. Since making the 2010 World Cup, they actually missed out on all big tournaments, failing to appear at now-three straight World Cups and five straight EURO tournaments. In the Nations League, they had some success, gaining promotion from League C to League B, but after the first two games, it is difficult to see how the Slovenian team could stay in this league. Still, there is a chance.
Slovenia's biggest bet for winning this match is the fact that everyone is completely shunning them to the side. Of course, everyone is doing it for the right reasons, but that should be motivation for Slovenia to show the world why they are still a capable team. The first two games were bad, but they are over and done with. With a game versus Norway, they have a chance of showcasing their talent and sending a statement they are still there, while also making the group interesting.
Additionally, they could work around their best player, Jan Oblak, and play defensive, counter-attacking football. Against Haaland and Norway, playing more defensively will close down space for the talented youngster and it will also provide Slovenia with a chance to counter. If they are able to hold out the attacks, there will be chances to punish the attacking Norwegians in rapid attacks. That is their chance to win this game.
Final Norway-Slovenia Prediction & Pick
It is true that Slovenia badly need this win. However, with the form of Erling Haaland and his Norway teammates, it is tough to go against them. Thus, our final Norway-Slovenia prediction is a Norway win at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway.
Final Norway-Slovenia Pick: Norway (-280)
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