Austria vs Norway Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Nations League, October 13, 2024

Preview

• Date: Sunday, October 13
• Kick-off Time: 6:45 pm GMT
• Venue: Raiffeisen Arena, Linz, Austria

The UEFA Nations League B Group 3 will experience a blockbuster clash between Austria and Norway on Sunday evening. The hosts sit in second place in the group with four points while Norway enjoys a comfortable lead of three points at the summit. As it stands, the Norwegians will earn direct qualification to the first division while Austria will have to contest the playoffs. The Austria vs Norway game will certainly have a lot of talking points and be a guaranteed thrill for the viewers.

Austria would have hoped for a better run of results in its recent matches. The national team has managed three victories along with two defeats and a draw in the last six games. Austria was the surprise package of the group stage at the Euros 2024 but was eventually eliminated in the first stage of the knockouts. Ralf Rangnick has been successful in bringing about a massive change in Austrian football but will be aware that a big part of his job is still to be completed. Austria recorded a massive 4-0 win over Kazakhstan on matchday three which has boosted its goal difference.

Norway has enjoyed a spectacular start to the 2024/25 Nations League campaign. The national team has certainly defied expectations so far with two wins and a draw from three matches. Critically for Norway, Erling Haaland has been able to find his clinical touch which was lacking in previous games for Norway. The nation is ranked 47ᵗʰ in the FIFA World Rankings and a victory over Austria will give them a big lead in group 3 to qualify for the first tier next year.

Austria National Football Team News

Ralf Rangnick will continue with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. This allows his squad to implement a relentless pressing style and also enjoy a decent amount of ball possession. The German coach might opt for some rotations, having played Kazakhstan on Thursday evening.

Norway National Football Team News

Ståle Solbakken will be delighted to have his full squad available against Austria. There are no reported injuries or suspension issues from the Norwegian camp. Solbakken might also opt for some rotations to distribute minutes amongst his squad.

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Austria vs Norway Predicted Lineups

Austria National Football Team Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Schlager

Defenders: Posch, Trauner, Lienhart, Prass

Midfielders: Laimer, Seiwald, Baumgartner

Forwards: Schmid, Sabitzer, Adamu

Norway National Football Team Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Nyland

Defenders: Ajer, Hanche-Olsen, Østigård, Wolfe

Midfielders: Ryerson, Berge, Thorsby

Forwards: Sørloth, Haaland, Nusa

Austria vs Norway H2H Record

Norway won the reverse fixture in the group with a 2-1 margin. Overall, in the last five games, Norway and Austria have won two games each with one ending in a draw.

Key Players to Watch in Austria vs Norway

Erling Haaland (Norway)

Erling Haaland has been the man of the round three in UEFA Nations League 2024/25 so far. His brace against Slovenia ensured a 3-0 for Norway. Haaland is second in the top goalscorers list in the current edition of the Nations League with three goals to his name. The Manchester City striker has 14 goals this season already and there is no reason to consider him having a quiet match against Austria. His pace and partnership with Sørloth will be a key ingredient to the gameplan of Norway on Sunday.

Konrad Laimer (Austria)

Konrad Laimer is the perfect holding midfielder for Ralf Rangnick’s system. Having worked at RB Leipzig under Rangnick’s principles, Laimer has adopted the techniques of German football perfectly. He is a pressing machine in the midfield, with a tremendous work rate. The 27-year-old can also slot in at right-back and has a sumptuous tackling ability. Konrad Laimer has 42 appearances to his name for Austria with five goals in his bag.

Austria vs Norway Prediction

Norway’s better run of form will give the players an upper hand against Austria. Nevertheless, Norway’s success and chances depend on the form of Erling Haaland. Austrian defenders will be aware that containing the striker will be enough to keep Norway down. It will be a contest of narrow margins and a draw seems to be the likely outcome.

Predicted Score: Austria 1-1 Norway

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Where to watch Austria vs Norway Live?

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