Domestic leagues may have come to a conclusion, but Europe’s best players must now tackle a round of European Championship qualifiers before they can take a break. Over in Group A, Saturday sees an important game between leaders Scotland and a Norway side who need a win after a slow start to their campaign (5pm).
It is still early days in terms of Euro 2023 qualification, but this fixture could be seen as a genuine ‘six pointer’. It is all set to kick off at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo. Read on for our full match preview with concluding betting tips.
Norway may have the weaker record after two games in Group A, but they are clear favourites for Saturday’s game. The home win is on offer at evens with many of the main bookies, while the draw is the next available option at best industry odds of 5/2. Anyone looking to get behind Scotland here can find a top price of 3/1 on the away win.
The Scots are the only team in this section with a perfect record after winning their opening two matches. After a routine 3-0 victory over Cyprus, Head Coach Steve Clarke’s side were seriously impressive as they overcame Spain via a 2-0 scoreline.
In contrast, Norway have struggled. A 3-0 defeat away to Spain in their opening match was followed by a 1-1 draw in Georgia three days later. At home for the first time, the Norwegians really need to take advantage and look to get three points on the board.
Norway should be able to include Erling Haaland in their line-up. The prolific striker has played through a long season, but doesn’t seem to be suffering any effects from Manchester City’s extended campaign. Haaland has 21 goals in 23 full internationals, and he is an obvious favourite in the first goalscorer betting at best odds of 16/5.
Norwegian players dominate this market with Bard Finne next at 6/1, followed by Jorgen Larsen at 13/2. Scotland’s first option here is the Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland at 15/2 who has one goal in five international matches to date. A better option for the Scots could be Lyndon Dykes who has eight goals in 28 games and is quoted at a best of 9/1.
In terms of some long-range value from behind the main strikers, Norway’s Martin Odegaard could be the man to watch at 11/1. The midfielder has struck just twice at international level, but he has just enjoyed a productive season with Arsenal, scoring 15 times in the league.
Over in the Scotland camp, Manchester United’s Scott McTominay has been the star with four goals so far. McTominay is generally a rare goal scorer, but he will attract interest at 20/1 to find the net first.
In other markets, Both Teams to Score is listed for Saturday’s game at best industry odds of evens. If you prefer the ‘no’ option on BTTS, this can be claimed at a top price of 10/11.
Next is the Total Combined Goals betting. If we begin with a modest stake Above the 2.5 line, it would currently return at a figure of 23/20. By pushing that to Over 3.5 goals, the numbers climb to a top price of 10/3. If you’re expecting a quiet evening in Oslo, Under 2.5 goals could be the option at a best of 7/10.
Those odds tell us that the bookmakers are looking at a subdued 90 minutes without too much attacking intent. This preview will keep that in mind as we head to the Correct Score markets where there could be interest in a final outcome of Norway 2 Scotland 1 at best industry odds of 17/2. That same 2-1 scoreline in favour of Scotland can be backed at a top price of 12/1, while the 1-1 draw is quoted at 11/2.
Our Preview’s Norway vs Scotland Betting Tips Verdict
Any international games which have been added to the end of the domestic seasons could be quiet affairs. Even if these are competitive matches, few of us would be surprised if the players are thinking ahead to their summer breaks. That could be an even bigger factor now, after the campaign had to be extended to accommodate the 2022 World Cup.
Fatigue and distraction could play a part, although this remains an important game. Norway need to win it and they should have enough firepower, with Erling Haaland most likely to do the damage.
Norway at evens is a decent price, but there are alternatives if you are not sure about the result. Both Teams to Score is also available at evens, and Scotland’s record in this competition to date suggests that they will offer an attacking threat.
This preview will finish by taking Norway’s Martin Odegaard for an anytime goal. He may sit further back at international level, but that impressive scoring season for Arsenal should give him confidence to come forward and hit the target.
- Both Teams to Score at best odds of evens with William Hill and BetVictor.
- Martin Odegaard to score at any time in 90 minutes at a biggest price of 24/5 (just under 5/1) with William Hill.
Matt Harris is a football & golf writer for Just Bookies. Other sports in his portfolio of specialities include cricket. Matt has contributed to innumerable large organisations and media brands. These include: Betfair, BetVictor, USA Betting & Unibet. 