Norway vs Austria
UEFA Nations League B
Date: Friday, 4 September 2020
Kick-off at 19:45 UK/ 20:45 CET
Venue: Ullevål Stadion.
Match preview
With Austria having already booked their place at Euro 2020, there is an argument that Franco Foda's clothing should be favorites to win in the curtain-raiser in Scandinavia.
However, they face a Norway side that has the potential to become one of the most attractive countries in the European scene with Martin Odegaard and braut Erling Haaland emerged as the key man in attack.
Of course, it will take more than two young children to guide his team into a new era, but Norway now has talismen to contribute in the final third as often.
Although Norway could only finish in third place in their European Championship qualifying group, third place behind Spain and Sweden during the transition period is a solid achievement for Lars Lagerbäck's outfit.
That said, the level of expectation back home now been lifted away, putting extra pressure on the squad to provide important results over the next three months.
From the Austrian perspective, their attention will still be in the best side prepare for their performances at Euro 2020, the third time they qualify for the tournament in four attempts.
Served with a group much easier than the opponent Friday, Austria claimed the runners-up in their group ahead of Northern Macedonia, Slovenia and Israel.
The fact that they failed to score the winner against Poland on highlighting their double header Foda side have some way to go to make the step up, especially against increasing opposition as Norway.
However, the absence of star man David Alaba can only encourage the rest of the squad to take on more responsibility, be aware that this is an opportunity to make a step forward in their absence the vice-captain.
News Team
Young Martin Odegaard Real Madrid have withdrawn from the squad for Norway in a blow to their chances against Austria on Friday. Fredrik Midtsjo also out.
Norway still can call Borussia Dortmund scored Erling Haaland machine, however.
With missing Odegaard, Norway wished to go with two strikers Haaland and Crystal Palace vocalist Alexander Sorloth. Joshua King may have to move to the wing or settle for a place on the bench.
Omar Elabdellaoui is Norway's first choice right-back but he was not in the squad and need to be replaced. AZ Alkmaar Jonas Svensson is set to represent.
Iver Fossum or Stefan Johansen will start on the right wing for the home team.
Bayern Munich star David Alaba has been ruled out because of injury to Austria ahead of a Friday meeting with Norway. Austria also without Valentino Lazaro, Florian Kainz and Konrad Laimer.
Austria played heavy on goals in 2019 and it remains to be seen who will start the campaign the League of Nations UEFA them as 1 of Pavao Pervan, Cican Stankovic and Alexander Schlager.
Former West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic is also available for Austria means new-look forward line will be in action on Friday.
Norway vs. Austria Prediction
The Lions are unbeaten in their last nine games overall, and they remain so in 18 of their previous 20 games, too. In fact, they have lost just twice in the last three years, and one of these losses have come against Spain.
At home, they are unbeaten in 15 games, and in the process, they also go through a seven-game winning run. And the last one they failed to score in a home game back in 2016, against Germany.
On the other hand, their counterparts are winless in five of their previous eight trips on the road, and have lost four of the match-ups as well.
On top of that, the host may have the best young talent in the world after Kylian Mbappe, at Erling Haaland. The tall striker in frightening form, and will be heavily relied upon by his father.
Chances are, expect Norway to avoid the loss of at least this Friday.
However, understanding that men have secured Foda directly go to Euro 2021, and are in a much better confidence. They also have the services of David Alaba, who just won the treble of Europe, and most importantly, the Lions have a 100% winning record in clashes official h2h.
It is expected that Austria found the back of the net at least once this Friday.
Norway vs Austria: Betting Tips
Dual Opportunity: Norway or Draw @ 1.40 (2/5)
Both Teams Score @ 1.90 (9/10).
