Norway vs Slovenia

Ullevaal Stadion is the venue as Norway and Slovenia renew hostilities in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League B.

Norway shrugged off frustration after a tepid 0-0 draw against Kazakhstan in their Group B2 opener to defeat Austria 2-1 at home and set themselves up nicely for this top-table six-pointer. Stale Solbakken’s team paid a hefty price for their unbeaten Nations League start last month, losing standout playmaker Martin Odegaard to an ankle injury. The Scandinavian powerhouse must make do without their talismanic captain in Oslo to leapfrog Slovenia into the top, seeking back-to-back victories for the first time since October 2023. A three-match winless H2H run (D2, L1) cannot inspire much confidence, yet Norway can draw inspiration from their formidable home form in this competition, having won seven of their last ten Nations League fixtures on home soil (D1, L2). A quick-fire start could be in store, with seven of Norway’s eight most recent internationals featuring at least one goal inside 20 minutes.

On the other hand, Slovenia earned promotion from League C in 2020/21, but they endured an awful maiden campaign in League B, barely keeping hold of their second-tier status (W1, D2, L3). Matjaz Kek’s men have improved at the start of this cycle, following up a 1-1 draw against Austria with a thumping 3-0 home victory against Kazakhstan. That triumph was Slovenia’s first in seven matches across all competitions (D5, L1), testifying to their lackluster form in the build-up to this match-up. However, it’s worth noting that Slovenia avoided defeat in regulation across all four Euro 2024 outings (D4), fending off the likes of England and Portugal among others. They’d likely settle for another draw on this turf, knowing they’ve only scored once on their five previous visits to these shores (D1, L4).