Norway Vs Montenegro
Norway Vs Montenegro Monday, 11 October 2021 – 19:45 (BST)
World Cup Qualifier
Pick: Montenegro +1 (Asian Handicap)
Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: 888Sport
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 9 October 2021)
Preview: Monday’s crunch clash in Oslo pits the teams in second and fourth from Group G against each other, as Norway set about consolidating their hold of second place against a Montenegro side still in contention for a top two finish.
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Table of Contents
Norway – Qualifying destiny in own hands?
Friday’s 1-1 draw in Turkey – Genk forward Kristian Thorstvedt scoring the all important equalising goal, deputising for the injured Erling Haaland – means a first World Cup finals appearance since France 1998 is in Norwegian hands with three qualifiers remaining. Among them is next month’s exciting fixture in the Netherlands, who currently hold sway atop Group G, two points clear of Stale Solbakken’s men.
A top two finish is very much on then, but only if they wrap up the campaign professionally. Three points at home to Montenegro, a side they edged out 1-0 in March, is critical if they wish to keep the pressure on the Dutch. However, their form as hosts hasn’t been great, beating only lowly Gibraltar (3-0), losing convincingly to Turkey (0-3) but restoring some semblance of pride by holding the Netherlands (1-1).
Key Stat: The Norwegians have recorded one clean sheet across their previous five fixtures, and in one of the last five here in Norway (W2 D1 L2).
Montenegro – Brave Falcons not given up on second?
The resurgence of Montenegro has been remarkable, even if it is going almost completely under the radar. From not winning any of eight qualifiers for the most recent European Championship to potentially setting a new personal best for points accrued this time around. Coach Miodrag Radulovic truly has this team ticking. So much, they can even dare to believe a first-ever major tournament appearance beckons.
Friday’s expected victory in Gibraltar has them on 11 points in Group G, five short of their all-time best return. More importantly, they are within striking distance of a Norwegian team three points better off in second. Victory in Oslo really would put the cat amongst the pigeons. Although the Brave Falcons, possibly missing talisman Steven Jovetic, have toiled recently, going six without a win (D3 L3) prior to Friday.
Key Stat: Both team scoring is a rarity whenever Montenegro are on their travels, with only two of their previous eleven away internationals seeing this bet land.
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Norway Vs Montenegro Betting Advice
On Friday, Norway picked up a potentially invaluable point away in Turkey as Montenegro were cruising to victory in Gibraltar. Those outcomes has Group G tantalisingly poised with a mere three points separating the teams ahead of kick-off in Oslo. Adding to the intrigue are key absentees on both sides, with Erling Haaland (Norway) and Stevan Jovetic (Montenegro) unavailable last time out.
Norway Vs Montenegro – Key Facts:
- After going down 3-1 away from home in the side’s first ever meeting, in March 2008, Norway are bidding to make it three wins in a row following their 1-0 win in Montenegro earlier this year.
- However, Norway have only registered four of a possible nine points from three 2022 World Cup home qualifiers so far. They’ve won two of their five home matches in 2021 (D1 L2).
- Montenegro halted a six-match winless sequence (D3 L3) with victory away to Gibraltar last time out, but are unbeaten in seven of their past eight away matches (W4 D3 L1).
Norway simply look too short, especially should Haaland not feature. Montenegro actually boast more away wins in qualifying than Norway do at home (2 to 1), both obliging in their easier fixtures but coming unstuck against Turkey and Netherlands. Stale Solbakken’s hosts did win the sides previous meeting, however. Although it was far from convincing – netting from their only attempt on target in a 1-0 win last March.
Best Betting Odds – Norway Vs Montenegro
Norway – 8/13 (BetVictor)
Draw – 3/1 (Betfair)
Montenegro – 5/1 (WilliamHill)
