Norway vs Serbia Prediction & Tips
This is one of the most high-profile matches of the final day of the UEFA Nations League (UNL), as group leaders Norway take on group runners-up Serbia in a decisive duel to secure top spot in Group B4 of League B. Although they are level on points, a draw would be enough for the home side after their 1-0 win in the previous meeting between the two countries, however, Norway fans will likely be nervous considering their team suffered a 2-1 defeat against Slovenia amid a similar situation last time out, when they failed to win either of their last two clashes (E1, P1), missing out on promotion as a result.
Ståle Solbakken hopes that his team’s formidable home record can help them avoid a similar fate this time around. Norway are unbeaten in their last eight home games (G5, E3), four of which were played as part of this competition. They conceded two goals in Saturday’s loss and in their home match against Sweden (G 3-2), but five straight home matches without conceding before that highlight that they have the ability to keep opponents scoreless when at their best.
Serbia coach Dragan Stojković was not shy in outlining his team’s ambitions earlier this year for this UEFA Nations League campaign: “We want first place (in the group) and we will do everything we can to achieve it.” A four-game unbeaten run (G3, E1) following their loss to Norway has put them in a strong position to meet that target. A key aspect of their success in that streak has clearly been opening the scoring early, as they have scored at least one first-half goal in four of those matches.
Playing on rival soil should not hurt Serbia, as only one of their last eight away games ended in defeat (G5, E2), a run of engagements that includes their famous 2-1 win in Portugal to qualify for the World Cup. They will look to continue that good record this time around in a place they last visited nearly two years ago, and a repeat of the scoreline (G 2-1) would ensure they win the group.
Players to watch: Man of the moment Erling Haaland scored his 21st international goal in his 22nd appearance for Norway the previous matchday, while Premier League rival Aleksandar Mitrović is just one goal away from his #50 goal for Serbia after scoring a hat-trick against Sweden.
Key stat: Saturday’s loss was Norway’s first in 12 matches in which Haaland managed to find the back of the net (G10, E1).
Norway – Serbia FREE TIPS
OVER 2.5 GOALS @ 2.25
