Norway vs Austria Predictions

Norway vs Austria predictions for this Nations League contest. Norway return home after a long trip to Central Asia last week to face Austria in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, aiming to build momentum in their campaign. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Nations League | League B | Sep 9, 2024 at 7:45pm UK at Ullevaal Stadion

Norway vs Austria Predictions

Can Austria Outfox Norway in a Pivotal Nations League Clash?

• Norway’s Struggles to Find the Net Norway have managed just one win in their last five matches, and their issues in front of goal were clear in the 0-0 draw against Kazakhstan. Despite having 19 shots and dominating possession, they failed to convert their chances, highlighting a worrying trend for Solbakken’s men as they face stronger opposition.
• Austria’s Strong Defensive Record Austria have only lost three of their last 13 competitive matches, with those defeats coming against top-tier nations such as France, Belgium, and Turkey. This defensive resilience, combined with their ability to hold Slovenia to a 1-1 draw, suggests that they will be difficult for Norway to break down.
• Haaland’s International Goal Drought Despite being one of the most feared strikers in world football, Erling Haaland has struggled to replicate his club form for the national team. He has failed to score in five of his last seven international appearances, and his lack of goals continues to be a point of concern for Norway as they seek to improve their fortunes in front of goal.

Best Bet

As Norway prepare to face Austria in the UEFA Nations League, both teams enter the fixture after opening-day draws that failed to settle any nerves. Norway, who were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Kazakhstan, have been struggling to find cohesion, despite boasting some of Europe’s most talented individuals. Meanwhile, Austria left Slovenia with a respectable 1-1 draw, further solidifying their reputation under manager Ralf Rangnick as a tactically disciplined and competitive side. The match in Oslo presents an opportunity for one of these teams to stamp their authority on Group B3, with both sides aware that a win here would provide a much-needed boost to their Nations League campaigns.

For Norway, pressure continues to mount on manager Ståle Solbakken, who has yet to unlock the full potential of a squad laden with top-tier players such as Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. The recent draw in Kazakhstan was a dour affair, with Norway failing to register a single goal despite having 19 shots. Austria, on the other hand, continue to impress under Rangnick, and their performance against Slovenia showcased their ability to grind out results even when not at their best. With both teams desperate to avoid falling further behind in the group, this fixture promises to be a tense and closely fought battle.

Austria’s recent performances, both in the Nations League and at the Euros, suggest that they are well-positioned to claim all three points in Oslo. Although Norway have the benefit of playing at home, their form has been underwhelming, with only one win in their last five matches. Solbakken’s side have struggled to assert themselves against weaker opposition, as demonstrated in their frustrating goalless draw with Kazakhstan. Furthermore, their inability to fully utilise Haaland’s prowess in front of goal continues to be a concern, with the Manchester City striker starved of service and often isolated up front.

Austria, by contrast, have been far more consistent, with their disciplined approach allowing them to punch above their weight. Under Rangnick, Austria’s tactical solidity and strong organisation at the back have made them a tough team to break down. They conceded only one goal in their recent draw against Slovenia, despite difficult playing conditions and a questionable early penalty decision.

This resilience, coupled with their capacity to capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities, makes them the favourites to exploit Norway’s defensive vulnerabilities. Austria’s midfield trio of Konrad Laimer, Xaver Schlager, and Marcel Sabitzer, who combine work rate with technical skill, will be key to nullifying Norway’s creativity through Ødegaard and controlling the tempo of the game.

Norway’s recent home form has also been less than stellar. In their last 12 home matches, they have kept just three clean sheets, with weaker teams like Kosovo and the Faroe Islands among those they’ve managed to shut out. This inability to defend consistently at home is a glaring weakness that Austria, who have found the net in seven of their last eight games, can exploit. While Haaland’s goal-scoring record for his country pales in comparison to his club exploits, Austria’s compact defensive shape, even without the injured David Alaba, should be enough to limit the opportunities he receives.

“Austria’s form, especially their ability to grind out results, gives them a solid advantage here. Norway’s attacking issues continue, and Austria’s disciplined midfield could be the key to their success in Oslo,” says Robin Bylund, BettingTips4You.com expert.

Correct Score Prediction: Norway 0-1 Austria

Given Austria’s strength at the back and Norway’s current struggles in front of goal, a narrow 1-0 victory for the visitors seems the most likely outcome. Norway managed 19 shots against Kazakhstan, but only two were on target, and Haaland has yet to find the net in this campaign.

Their failure to convert chances, despite holding 71% possession and completing 577 passes in their opening match, suggests that they may struggle once again to break down a well-organised Austrian defence. Moreover, Austria’s counter-attacking threat, combined with Norway’s susceptibility to lapses in concentration at the back, could lead to a decisive goal for Rangnick’s men.

Austria’s 1-1 draw in Slovenia was marked by a quick response after conceding, and their overall play suggests that they are more than capable of frustrating Norway. A single moment of quality, perhaps from a set piece or counter-attack, could be enough to separate the sides in what is expected to be a tightly contested affair. Given their superior defensive organisation and Norway’s lack of cutting edge, Austria are well-placed to secure a slender win.

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