Game Preview: Norway vs Austria

In this UEFA Nations League matchup, Norway will host Austria at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo on Monday, September 9th, 2024. Both teams are looking to make an impact in their respective group standings, with Norway seeking to improve on their recent inconsistent form, while Austria continues their steady rise under manager Ralf Rangnick.

Key Stats & Insights:

  • Norway’s Recent Form: Norway have struggled in recent fixtures, managing just one win in their last six games (D3, L2). They are coming off a goalless draw against Kazakhstan, failing to capitalize on 71% possession and multiple goal attempts.
  • Austria’s Recent Form: Austria drew 1-1 with Slovenia in their last match. They’ve been much more consistent than Norway, having lost only three of their last 10 competitive games. Austria’s defense has been shaky, conceding in their last seven matches, but their offense remains strong.
  • Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Austria have seen BTTS in seven of their last eight games, while Norway have seen it in four of their last six games. Their last two encounters in the Nations League in 2020 also saw both teams on the scoresheet.

Team Form and Performance:

  • Norway: Despite possessing attacking talents like Erling Haaland, Norway have struggled to find consistency. They have scored an average of 1.4 goals over their last 10 games and allowed 1.4 goals per match. At home, they’ve managed to score two or more goals in five of their last 10 matches.
  • Austria: Austria’s form under Rangnick has been solid, with six wins in their last 10 games. They average 1.8 goals per game and have shown defensive weaknesses by conceding 1.1 goals on average. Their away form is particularly strong, unbeaten in their last eight away internationals.

Head-to-Head Records:

In their last five meetings, Austria have dominated with three wins, while Norway has managed just one victory, and one match ended in a draw. Their most recent encounter, in 2020, ended 1-1.

Player Form and Availability:

  • Norway: Star striker Erling Haaland will be the focal point of Norway’s attack, having scored six goals in his last 10 games. Antonio Nusa, with three assists, adds creativity to the forward line, while goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland has recorded two clean sheets recently. Norway have no major injury concerns heading into the game.
  • Austria: Austria’s attacking options include Marko Arnautović, who will lead the line, while Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer provide strength in midfield. Both teams are injury-free, with Austria missing only David Alaba and Xaver Schlager.

Predicted Lineups:

  • Norway (4-3-3):
    • Goalkeeper: Ørjan Nyland
    • Defenders: Julian Ryerson, Leo Østigård, Andreas Hanche-Olsen, David Møller Wolfe
    • Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge, Felix Horn Myhre
    • Forwards: Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa
  • Austria (4-2-3-1):
    • Goalkeeper: Patrick Pentz
    • Defenders: Philipp Mwene, Stefan Posch, Maximilian Wöber, Alexander Prass
    • Midfielders: Konrad Laimer, Nicolas Seiwald, Marcel Sabitzer, Romano Schmid, Christoph Baumgartner
    • Forward: Marko Arnautović

Market Analysis (Odds):

  • Norway: +132 (43% win probability)
  • Draw: +330
  • Austria: +205 (32% win probability)

The market sees Norway as slight favorites, but with Austria’s strong away form, the game could be tightly contested. The odds for BTTS Yes are -149, and it is the most likely outcome based on recent form.

Check the latest odds at our trusted sportsbooks in India: 10Cric

Predictions:

  • Correct Score Prediction: Norway 1-1 Austria
  • Betting Tip: Both Teams to Score (BTTS) Yes @ -149
  • Alternative Bet: Over 2.5 Goals @ +100

Given the teams’ attacking strengths and defensive vulnerabilities, BTTS seems the safest bet for this encounter. A 1-1 draw is a likely result based on recent form and head-to-head history.