Norway vs Spain: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Norway rank 3rd while Spain sit 2nd in their group

Spain are vying for the top spot in Group A of Euro 2024 qualifiers as they face Norway in Oslo. Spain previously defeated Norway 3-0 in Malaga seven months ago. Norway has bounced back after a slow start, securing three consecutive wins against Cyprus and Georgia. They currently hold the third position in the group, trailing Spain by two points, but have played one game more.

Spain recently avenged a loss to Scotland with a 2-0 win in Seville, maintaining their impressive home unbeaten streak in qualifiers. However, they face a resurgent Norway in Oslo, needing a victory to secure a top-two finish in Group A for a spot in the 2024 Euros in Germany.

While Spain can afford to drop points and still qualify, they are eager to overtake Scotland at the top of Group A. Despite their strong home record, La Roja has only won one of their last four Euro qualifiers on the road, including a 1-1 draw in Norway in October 2019.

Kick-off

Sunday, 15th October 2023, 7:45 PM GMT

Monday, 16th October 2023, 12:15 AM IST

Location: Ullevaal Stadion

Form

Noway (in all competitions): D-L-W-W-W-W

Spain (in all competitions): L-W-W-W-W-W

Players to watch

Erling Haaland (Norway)

A goal-scoring machine is what is Erling Haaland. So, to say that the Norwegian Viking is the one you must keep your eyes on is not an understatement. He is hungry to score since he has not been scoring any in the last three games. Haaland has 27 goals for his national side in 27 games.

Alvaro Morata (Spain)

A very unlikely player to be mentioned in the section. Not often does Alvaro Morata get recognition like this but his form lately for La Furia Roja is hot. Morata has been scoring goals, not just that he has been creating spaces with his runs behind defences. He has 10 goals in the last 10 games for Spain.

Match fact

• The Spaniards are undefeated in the last 5 games they have played against Norway.

Injury and team news

Norway's manager Solbakken is likely to stick with the lineup that defeated Cyprus. Ostigard and Ajer will play in defense with Ryerson and Meling as full-backs. Captain Odegaard will partner with Aursnes and Berge in midfield.

Haaland and Sorloth will have support in attack from Solbakken, Nusa, or Bobb, who made his senior debut recently. Haaland has been impressive, scoring a goal per game at the international level, with 27 goals in 27 matches.

On the other hand, Spain will be missing several players due to injuries, including Williams, Balde, Yamal, Pino, Olmo, Pedri, Asensio, and Gaya. Despite a knock, Gavi may feature in midfield with Rodri and Merino. Navas, who made history with an assist in the last game, competes with Carvajal for the right-back position.

Zaragoza is looking for his first international start, challenging Torres and Oyarzabal. Both teams have important decisions to make for the upcoming match.

Head-to-head

Matches: 9

Norway: 1

Spain: 6

Draws: 2

Predicted lineup for Norway vs Spain

Norway Predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Ostigard, Meling; Odegaard, Berge, Aursnes; Sorloth, Haaland, Nusa

Spain Predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Simon; Navas, Le Normand, Laporte, Garcia; Merino, Rodri, Gavi; Torres, Morata, Zaragoza

Match prediction

La Furia Roja are in hot form from back to front. Solid defensive foundation and a free-flowing attack. Norway will have task up their sleeve and we think it will be a close margin but Spain will look to grab all 3 points from here.

Prediction: Norway 1 - 3 Spain

Telecast details

India – SonyLiv, Sony Sports Network

UK – Viaplay Sports

US –  Fox Sports

Nigeria – Supersport