Spain v Norway – Betting Preview
Spain Summary
Spain begin a new era under the guidance of Luis de la Fuente. The new boss has already made big strides away from the young squad which Luis Enrique used in Qatar.
The boss has only called up 11 players of the 26 who played in the 2022 World Cup where they fell in the first knockout rounds against Morocco.
Luis de La Fuente will try to move away from the former manager and his methods in one aspect, but he did follow suit with the same stance on Sergio Ramos. Amidst rumours of his high-profile return, Luis de la Fuente refused to recall the PSG defender who had long since been dropped by his predecessor.
Spain plays Norway and then Scotland next Tuesday, with both games they expect to win whilst transitioning to the new-look team.
De la Fuente has added experience with the additions of Nacho and Iago Aspas, both in excellent form for their clubs.
Iago Aspas may well begin this game against Norway. His very recent form is excellent and he more than any in the squad deserved the call-up. Below is a graphic illustrating his qualities with club side Celta Vigo. He gets important goals from a deep lying position, with very productive passing which should help the new attacking approach Spain want to employ.
The belief is that the new approach will not drop the possession-based style, but they will seek to inject a more vertical emphasis with the ball, particularly more direct down the flanks.
Norway Summary
The Norwegian squad will be determined to ensure they progress from this qualification and make up for missing the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
They play Spain on Friday and then meet Georgia next Tuesday, keen to get 3 or 4 points from these matches.
There is however a negative mood in the camp as their star man and goal machine Erling Haaland pulled out.
The City striker who is ripping EPL defences apart will be a huge miss for his country and has left a pessimistic mood hanging over them.
His injury means he’ll also miss his side’s Tuesday clash against Georgia, much to the frustration of Norway boss Ståle Solbakken.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Spain was hugely relieved when news emerged that Norway’s goal machine Erling Haaland pulled out.
The Spanish were always going to be the jollies, but this absence shortened their price considerably which is now @ 1.36 to win.
The draw is @ 4.90 and the Norway win is @ 8.70.
Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. Without Haaland, the visitor will struggle even more to get a result. Spain -1.25 is @ 1.81 and Norway +1.25 is @ 2.03.
Looking at The Under/Over goal betting last of all. Without Haaland, Norway will likely be more defensive-minded and play for a 0-0.
Spain will want to win and play well while doing so. The line is set at 2.5, the Over is @ 1.77 and the Under is @ 1.97.
