Norway vs. Scotland: preview and betting tips

Saturday’s football programme will offer, besides the match between the Czech Republic and the Faroe Islands, an interesting showdown between Norway and Scotland. What to expect from their confrontation and what to bet on?

Norway made a terrible start to the qualification, after losing in Spain they only drew in Georgia and if they want to think about direct promotion they have to beat the Scots. On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that Erling Haaland was absent at the last meeting.

On the other hand, the Scots played twice at home and beat Cyprus and Spain with a clean sheet (3: 0, 2: 0). Their strength, however, lies primarily in their home environment, thanks to which, for example, they made it to the elite group of the Nations League.

Norway’s key figures

The home side rely on Haaland, the Manchester City hitman has netted an incredible 52 goals and assisted nine this season. National team and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has scored 15 goals and assisted eight times.

Scotland’s key figures

The visitors have long been led by left-back and captain Andrew Robertson, he has collected 11 assists for Liverpool this season. Also in form is combative central midfielder John McGinn, who in addition to his defensive work has helped Aston Villa’s promotion to the Conference League with a goal and three assists.

What to expect and what to bet on?

Norway are very strong at home, having lost only one of their last nine games here. The series includes, for example, a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, winning the Scandinavian derby against Sweden 3-2 and embarrassing Armenia 9-0.

The Scots, on the other hand, are not very good away from home, winning only one of their last five games. They were beaten by the long-troubled Ireland and lost in Turkey. Neither of their opponents had a monster of Haaland’s calibre on the pitch.

Given Haaland’s confidence and form after winning the treble with the Citizens, as well as Odegaard’s good season and the Norwegians’ home form as a team, I think the favourite will win at home for the first time in qualifying.