This will be a closely contested encounter as Slovenia hosts Norway in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League, League B Group 3. Both Norway, Slovenia, and Austria are in a close fight for promotion, with all three teams tied on points. The teams have only two matches left; hence, every point counts.
Match Preview
Date and Time: Thursday, November 14th, 2024
UK: 7:45 pm
US ET: 2:45 pm
US PT: 11:45 am
TV Broadcast:
UK: Not televised
US: FOX Sports
Online Streaming:
UK: Not available
US: FOX Sports platforms
Slovenia Preview: Strong Defense and Home Advantage
Slovenia’s campaign started with a 1-1 draw against Austria, where Benjamin Sesko opened the score before Austria drew level. Slovenia is a team that reached the Round of 16 in UEFA EURO 2024 and has blown hot and cold thus far in the Nations League, including a victory over Kazakhstan coupled with a 3-0 defeat to Norway. However, they have shown their defensive strength, especially at home.
Key Player: Benjamin Sesko
The inform striker from RB Leipzig has been key to Slovenia’s attack. He scored a hat-trick in their last outing against Kazakhstan. His form will be very important as Slovenia want some points to keep them confident against the Norwegians.
Norway Preview: High Expectation with Star Power
Under Stale Solbakken, Norway is finally trying to reach its full potential. Trailing behind Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard in the lead, it has indeed won two matches and had one draw within the first four, but in starting periods, it was really slow, with a goalless draw against Kazakhstan. The recent form of Norway has indeed become promising, but the absence of several key defenders puts them in the arena with a tough task ahead in Slovenia.
Star Players: Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard
Haaland’s goals and Odegaard’s creativity will be pivotal for Norway. Both are capable of opening up the defenses to make Norway an ever-present threat.
Team News
Slovenia
Out: Timi Horvat (Injury)
Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Oblak; Janza, Drkusic, Bijol, Balkovec; Stojanovic, Cerin, Elsnik, Petrovic; Sporar, Sesko
Norway
Out: Nyland, Ajer, Hanche-Olsen, Moller Wolfe, Vetlesen, Bobb (All Injured)
Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Dyngeland; Ryerson, Heggem, Ostigard, Langas; Odegaard, Berge, Thorsby, Nusa; Sorloth, Haaland
Slovenia vs Norway Prediction
Slovenia and Norway both use a 4-4-2 system but this is normally one that Norway will need to be slightly more attacking due to the forwards they have at their disposal. Slovenia organized their defense recently, especially at home, extremely well. Norway are without their most important defenders here so a double chance of Slovenia winning or drawing has some real merit.
Betting Tip: Double Chance – Slovenia to Win or Draw
The home team advantage, coupled with Norway’s absences in the backline, sees the hosts with an advantage. A double chance bet on Slovenia to win or draw is recommended.
Conclusion
This will be an intriguing UEFA Nations League match with Slovenia’s tight backline going head-to-head with Norway’s potent attack.
