As the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League heats up, Norway and Slovenia are set to clash in a highly anticipated match in Oslo this Saturday. Both teams have made solid starts to their campaigns, sitting level on four points in Group B3, and are eager to continue their unbeaten runs.

Norway's Path in the Nations League

Norway finds itself competing in League B for the third consecutive season after falling short of promotion in the 2022-23 tournament. Last year, they managed three victories, one draw, and two losses, finishing three points behind group leaders Serbia. The current campaign began with a disappointing goalless draw against Kazakhstan, but they bounced back with a crucial 2-1 victory over Austria. Manchester City star Erling Haaland proved instrumental, netting his 32nd international goal while Felix Myhre and Austria's Marcel Sabitzer exchanged strikes.

The Norwegians are looking to secure back-to-back victories for the first time since late 2023 and hope to build on their strong home record in the Nations League, having won seven of their last ten home fixtures in the competition.

Slovenia's Form and Aspirations

Slovenia is in its second straight season in League B, having finished third in their previous group. The team salvaged their campaign last year with one win, three draws, and two losses, finishing just above the relegation zone but significantly off the promotion pace. They kicked off this season with a 1-1 draw against Austria before dominating Kazakhstan with a 3-0 victory, highlighted by a stunning hat-trick from Benjamin Sesko.

Now, Slovenia will look to break a four-match winless streak on the road in the Nations League, where their prior woes away from home include three draws and one loss. However, they will draw confidence from their recent history against Norway, having remained unbeaten in their last three encounters, including a 2-1 win during their last meeting in September 2022.

Team News: Key Absences

Norway will have to adapt to the absence of their captain, Martin Ødegaard, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Head coach Stale Solbakken may enlist young talent Antonio Nusa in his place. Haaland, known for his remarkable scoring feats, remains Norway's key threat, with 13 goals in just 12 Nations League matches.

Slovenia, on the other hand, will miss two critical players: Sandi Lovric and Tomi Horvat, both ruled out due to injury. Nonetheless, veteran goalkeeper Jan Oblak is expected to lead the defense along with a solid back four, while Sesko hopes to continue his scoring form after an impressive season.

Predicted Lineups

Norway: Nyland; Ryerson, Ostigard, Hanche-Olsen, Wolfe; Myhre, Berg, Berge; Sorloth, Nusa, Haaland.

Slovenia: Oblak; Stojanovic, Drkusic, Bijol, Janza; Ilicic, Gnezda Cerin, Elsnik, Mlakar; Sesko, Sporar.

Final Thoughts: A Thrilling Match Ahead?

With both teams boasting significant attacking strength, featuring notable players like Sorloth, Haaland, and Sesko, anticipation builds for a thrilling contest. A scoreline of 2-2 seems plausible, as both sides are likely to capitalize on defensive lapses while also battling tenaciously for the points on offer.

Who will emerge victorious in this intense showdown? Be sure to tune in to find out!