Slovenia currently holds third place in Group 3, tied in points with the group leaders. With Benjamin Sesko and his teammates still in the running for either direct promotion to League A or a playoff spot, they also face the possibility of a relegation playoff.
Their campaign began well with a 1-1 draw against Austria and a 3-0 win over Kazakhstan, but they then suffered a 3-0 loss to Norway. They recovered in their last match, edging out Kazakhstan 1-0.
Norway, aiming for a place in the Nations League’s top tier, has a highly talented team yet to qualify for a major tournament. Erling Haaland’s squad currently tops Group 3, sharing points with Slovenia.
Norway opened with a scoreless draw in Kazakhstan, followed by a 2-1 win over Austria and a 3-0 victory over Slovenia, but were heavily defeated by Austria 5-1 in their latest match.
Slovenia will be missing several key players, including defenders Karic and Zec, midfielders Repas and Jovanovic, and forward Kramer. Defender Gorenc Stankovic remains out since October.
However, core players like captain and goalkeeper Oblak (Atlético Madrid), defenders Drkusic and Bijol, and forwards Sesko and Sporar are expected to feature, with Vipotnik available as a substitute.
Norway will be without goalkeeper Nyland, defenders Hanche-Olsen and Ajer, as well as wingers Sahraoui and Bobb.
Captain Odegaard, who recently returned from injury, is also absent. Nonetheless, their offense remains strong, led by Haaland and Sorloth, with support from defenders Ostigard and Ryerson and midfielders Berge and Thorsby.
Prediction
Both teams have seen a pattern of low-scoring games, with 17 of Norway’s last 19 matches and 17 of Slovenia’s last 19 home games in the competition having three goals or fewer.
Prediction: Slovenia 1-1 Norway
