UEFA Nations League
Norway v Portugal: Big Match Preview
Two nations that made winning starts to their UEFA Nations League campaigns meet in Oslo on Sunday evening as Norway host defending champions Portugal at the Ullevaal Stadion. The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm, with both sides looking to take early control of League A Group 4. Norway opened their campaign with an entertaining 3-2 victory against Denmark on Thursday as Erling Haaland scored twice and Oscar Bobb also found the net. Stale Solbakken's side impressed at the World Cup, reaching the quarter finals, and have now won eight consecutive competitive matches on home soil. Portugal also collected three points from their opening fixture but were far less convincing in a 1-0 victory against Wales. Jorge Jesus' side registered 23 attempts but needed a deflected Joao Felix strike to break the deadlock, with Cristiano Ronaldo failing to score despite having seven attempts.
Football Tipster
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Vincent Van De HornBig Match SpecialNorway v Portugal
Kick Off
Sunday 27 September at 19:45
Ground
Ullevaal Stadion
Competition
UEFA Nations League
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Norway at 6/4
Match Result
Norway have developed into one of Europe's most dangerous international sides and their impressive home record makes them worth backing against the reigning Nations League champions. Solbakken's side have won their last eight competitive matches at the Ullevaal and demonstrated their attacking quality once again when beating Denmark 3-2 on Thursday. Portugal dominated possession and registered plenty of attempts against Wales but were wasteful in front of goal and rarely looked comfortable despite eventually winning 1-0. With Haaland in outstanding form and Norway carrying plenty of momentum, we're backing the hosts to claim another statement victory in Oslo.
Over 2.5 at 1/2
Match Goals Over/Under
Matches involving Norway have consistently produced goals and another entertaining contest looks likely on Sunday evening. Both teams have scored in each of Norway's last nine matches in all competitions, whilst each of their last seven have produced at least three goals. Solbakken's side have also failed to keep a clean sheet in nine consecutive matches, making them difficult to trust defensively despite their considerable attacking threat. Portugal registered 23 attempts against Wales and should create opportunities of their own, so over 2.5 match goals looks a strong selection.
Erling Haaland to Score 2+ Goals
Player Goals
Erling Haaland continues to produce remarkable numbers for Norway and the Manchester City striker looks capable of scoring more than once for the second consecutive game. Haaland's brace against Denmark took his international tally to 64 goals from just 56 appearances and he has now scored in 10 of his last 13 competitive internationals. He also struck seven times during Norway's World Cup campaign and scored twice from five attempts on Thursday. Against a Portugal side stepping up significantly from their opening fixture against Wales, Haaland looks worth backing to register another brace.
Bruno Fernandes Over 2.5 Shots at evens
Player Shots
Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's headline name but Bruno Fernandes increasingly looks like the player Portugal should be building their attack around. Ronaldo struggled against Wales, failing to score despite registering seven attempts, and Portugal will need more from the players around him against a much stronger Norway side. Fernandes should once again operate in an advanced midfield role and is unlikely to be short of opportunities in what promises to be an open contest. Against a Norway defence without a clean sheet in nine consecutive matches, we're backing the Manchester United captain to register at least three attempts.
Norway 3-2 Portugal at 20/1
Correct Score
Norway's recent matches have rarely been short of entertainment and their attacking strength is accompanied by an obvious vulnerability at the other end. Both teams have scored in nine consecutive Norway fixtures and Thursday's 3-2 victory against Denmark was another example of their willingness to play on the front foot. Portugal possess enough attacking quality to contribute but looked unconvincing against Wales, whilst Norway have won eight consecutive competitive matches at home. We're backing the hosts to edge another high scoring contest, making a 3-2 Norway victory the logical pick in the correct score market.
Joao Cancelo
To Be Carded
Joao Cancelo could have a difficult evening against Norway's pace in wide areas and looks worth consideration in the card market. The Portugal full back could find himself directly matched against Antonio Nusa, who regularly draws fouls with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. With Cancelo likely to be tested defensively far more than he was against Wales, the experienced defender looks a solid selection to be shown a card.
Norway v Portugal Tips
Norway
Match Result
Over 2.5
Match Goals Over/Under
Erling Haaland to Score 2+ Goals
Player Goals
Bruno Fernandes Over 2.5 Shots
Player Shots
Norway 3-2 Portugal
Correct Score
Joao Cancelo
To Be Carded
Verdict
Home advantage should just about carry Norway through a tight contest. The scoreline call is Norway 3-2 Portugal, so there should be goals at both ends. Vincent Van De Horn make Norway at 6/4 the standout call on the card.