Norway host Australia in Oslo later this week, with former Iceland boss Lars Lagerbäck hoping to kick-start a new era for the Scandinavian nation following years of disappointment. However, with their opponents currently preparing for the upcoming World Cup Finals in Russia, it could well be a close encounter at the Ullevaal Stadion.
International Friendly – Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo – Friday 23rd March – 17:00 UK Time
Norway vs Australia Match Preview
Norway take on World Cup finalists Australia on Friday evening, with the home side hoping to find some form of consistency under their new leadership. However, Australia boss Bert van Marwijk will be confident of recording a positive result, having lost just twice in their last six outings. Meanwhile, those still unsure of who to back ahead of kick-off should be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Norway Team News & Form
Norway come into the match off the back of successive defeats to Slovakia and Macedonia, however they had previously registered victories against Northern Ireland and minnows San Marino. The hosts are missing some key men against Australia, with Bournemouth’s Joshua King and Crystal Palace striker Alexander Sørloth both absent. However, the likes of Håvard Nordtveit, Stefan Johansen and Tarik Elyounoussi bring heaps of experience. Meanwhile, young prodigy Martin Ødegaard could well line up in midfield for the hosts.
Australia Team News & Form
Australia have named a hugely experienced squad for their clash with Norway, with Millwall’s Tim Cahill set to earn his 105th cap on Friday evening. The Socceroos come into the match off the back of a narrow win over Thailand, having previously suffered successive defeats against Japan and Brazil. The likes of Tom Rogic, Aaron Mooy and Captain Mile Jedinak offer both quality and experience in midfield for the visitors.
Head to Head
The two nations have met just twice in the past, with Norway still searching for a first victory over Australia. The duo last met back in 2004, when an entertaining friendly match ended in a 2-2 draw. Before this, Australia ran out 1-0 winners in the Optus World Series in January 1997. However, with no matches having taken place for over a decade, few conclusions can be made from the head-to-head record between Norway and Australia.
Norway vs Australia Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite their poor form over recent times, their status as the home team on Friday evening means that it comes as little surprise that it is Norway who are the narrow favourites for victory with the majority of major online bookmakers. The European side can be backed for victory at best odds of 11/10 with bookmaker William Hill, while those looking to bet on a success for Australia can get a price of 5/2 on the same platform. Meanwhile, a draw between the two is available at odds of 23/10 with Paddy Power.
Norway vs Australia Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on there being over 2.5 goals score during the 90 minutes on Friday, with odds of 13/10 available at Ladbrokes.