UEFA Nations League
Wales v Norway: Big Match Preview
Wales will be searching for their first points of the Nations League campaign when they welcome Norway to the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday evening. Craig Bellamy's side have endured a difficult introduction to League A, losing away to Portugal and Denmark without scoring, while Norway arrive in Cardiff with three points from their opening two fixtures.
Football Writer, Racing Tipster
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Stephen WelchBig Match SpecialWales v Norway
Kick Off
Thursday 1 October at 19:45
Ground
Cardiff City Stadium
Competition
UEFA Nations League
Norway beat Denmark 3-2 before suffering a 2-1 defeat against Portugal, although the result did little justice to a performance in which they generated 2.52 xG from 22 attempts. Wales, meanwhile, are now winless in six matches and have lost their last three. The absence of David Brooks further reduces Bellamy's attacking options and with Erling Haaland spearheading a dangerous Norwegian attack, the visitors look well placed to take all three points.
Norway
Match Result
Wales have found the step up to League A difficult, losing both of their opening matches without finding the net. They have also failed to win any of their last six games in all competitions, whilst Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals and have won five of their last seven away fixtures. Stale Solbakken's side were unfortunate to lose against Portugal after registering 22 shots and creating 2.52 xG and their attacking quality should prove too much for a depleted Welsh side in Cardiff.
Erling Haaland
First Goalscorer
There is little need to overcomplicate the goalscorer market when Erling Haaland arrives in such outstanding form. The Manchester City striker has scored 65 goals in just 57 appearances for Norway and has found the net 10 times across his last seven matches for club and country. Haaland scored twice against Denmark before striking again against Portugal and has accounted for almost half of Norway's xG across their opening two Nations League fixtures. With Wales yet to score in the competition, Haaland looks the standout candidate to open the scoring.
Norway
Win To Nil
Norway have hardly been watertight themselves, but Wales' current attacking problems make an away win without conceding worth consideration. Bellamy's side have failed to score against both Portugal and Denmark and managed only 24 touches inside the opposition penalty area across those two matches. Harry Wilson is already unavailable and the absence of David Brooks removes another important creative option. Wales have now gone more than 180 minutes without a Nations League goal and could struggle to trouble a Norway side expected to control large periods of Thursday's contest.
Martin Odegaard - 2+
Player Fouls Won
Martin Odegaard provides an interesting alternative in the player foul markets if he is passed fit to start. The Norway captain was fouled an average of 3.5 times across his opening two Nations League appearances, the joint-highest figure in Group A4. Wales are likely to spend extended periods without possession and may need to disrupt Norway's play through midfield. With Odegaard central to almost everything the visitors create, backing him to draw at least two fouls looks a strong selection.
Chris Mepham
Player To Be Carded
Chris Mepham looks a strong card candidate after picking up a booking against Denmark last time out. The Wales centre-back has now collected 14 yellow cards in 57 international appearances, underlining a fairly poor disciplinary record at this level. His task on Thursday could hardly be tougher, with Erling Haaland likely to spend much of the game occupying the Welsh back line and forcing defenders into difficult one-on-one situations. Given Mepham's recent booking and the physical challenge posed by Haaland, another card looks well worth consideration.
Norway 3-0
Correct Score
Wales' home record means Norway may need to remain patient, but the gap between these teams looks significant on current form. The hosts have lost three consecutive matches and are yet to score in League A, while Norway have already demonstrated their ability to create chances against much stronger opposition. Haaland gives the visitors an obvious cutting edge and Norway should create enough opportunities to establish a comfortable advantage. With Wales struggling for goals, a 3-0 away victory appeals in the correct score market.
Wales v Norway Tips
Norway
Match Result
Erling Haaland
First Goalscorer
Norway
Win To Nil
Martin Odegaard - 2+
Player Fouls Won
Chris Mepham
Player To Be Carded
Norway 3-0
Correct Score
Verdict
Norway look the stronger side and should have enough on the road. The scoreline call is Wales 3-0 Norway, so there should be goals at both ends. Stephen Welch make Norway the standout call on the card.