Erling Haaland has scored 22 Nations League goals in 20 appearances. Wales managed two goals in their opening four matches of this campaign.
On paper, Saturday’s meeting in Oslo looks horribly mismatched. Fortunately for Craig Bellamy, football isn’t played on paper. And Wales have already beaten Norway once this autumn.
The Dragons’ 2-1 victory in Cardiff last month was their first win in League A, with Daniel James and Neco Williams overturning Oscar Bobb’s early opener.
There was, admittedly, a helping hand from Torbjørn Heggem. The Norwegian defender was sent off just 21 seconds into the second half, allowing Wales to take control against ten men.
But Bellamy won’t be particularly interested in how the points arrived. His side desperately needed them.
Wales have lost their other three Nations League matches, leaving them third in Group A4 with three points. Norway are level on points but sit bottom on goal difference, making Saturday’s encounter a potentially decisive battle to avoid relegation.
The situation is hardly what Ståle Solbakken envisaged after guiding Norway to the World Cup quarter-finals during the summer.
His side opened their Nations League campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Denmark, only to lose their next three matches. Portugal have already beaten them in Oslo, while the defeat in Cardiff left Norway with plenty of ground to recover.
Haaland remains their biggest weapon, but Norway are far from a one-man team.
Martin Ødegaard’s creativity, Antonio Nusa’s direct running and Alexander Sørloth’s physical presence give the hosts several ways to trouble a Welsh defence that has struggled away from home.
Bellamy, meanwhile, has received some timely reinforcements.
Harry Wilson and Joe Rodon return to the squad, while Brennan Johnson, Daniel James and Kieffer Moore provide attacking options. Wales have failed to score in three of their four group matches, so the return of Wilson’s creativity could be particularly important.
With Portugal awaiting Wales in Cardiff and Norway travelling to Denmark for their final group fixture, Saturday represents a major opportunity for both countries.
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What are the best betting tips for Norway vs Wales?
Norway to win and both teams to score
Norway have lost three consecutive Nations League matches, but their attacking record suggests they are considerably more dangerous than their position in the table indicates.
Solbakken’s side have scored in nine consecutive Nations League fixtures. They also found the net three times against Denmark in September and have scored six goals across their four group matches.
Haaland is the obvious threat, but Ødegaard and Nusa should create opportunities against a Welsh defence that will be under sustained pressure.
However, Norway’s defensive record is less encouraging. They have conceded eight goals in four group matches, including twice against Wales in Cardiff.
Bellamy has promised an attacking approach, and the returns of Wilson and Rodon should strengthen his side. Wales have enough pace through James and Johnson to exploit the space Norway leave behind.
A home victory with both teams scoring looks more appealing than taking Norway at short odds, particularly given the hosts’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Erling Haaland to score 2+ goals
Haaland’s Nations League record is ridiculous even by his standards.
The Manchester City striker has scored 22 goals in 20 appearances in the competition, making him its all-time leading goalscorer.
He has also scored three goals across Norway’s two home fixtures in this campaign.
Wales managed to restrict him to two shots in Cardiff, but they benefited from playing against ten men for almost the entire second half. Saturday’s contest should provide a very different test.
Norway are likely to control more possession at home, with Ødegaard looking to supply Haaland through the middle and Nusa stretching the Welsh defence.
Backing the striker to score twice is considerably more demanding than the conventional anytime goalscorer market. However, his international record and Norway’s need for victory make it a worthwhile high-risk selection.
Brennan Johnson 1+ shot on target
Wales have struggled for goals, but that doesn’t mean they will spend the entire evening defending.
Bellamy has made it clear that he wants his side to attack Norway rather than simply attempt to survive.
Johnson’s pace could be particularly useful when Wales recover possession. Norway’s attacking full-backs can leave space behind them, and Johnson has the acceleration to exploit those situations.
Wilson’s return should also improve the quality of service into the forward positions, while Moore can occupy Norway’s centre-backs and create space for runners.
Johnson is approaching his 50th senior international appearance and should have an important role to play.
One shot on target is far from guaranteed against opponents expected to dominate possession, but it offers a more interesting Welsh player angle than simply backing Norway’s attacking stars.
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How to watch Norway vs Wales
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Date: Saturday, 14 November 2026
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Kick-off: 5pm GMT (6pm local time)
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Competition: UEFA Nations League, League A Group 4
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Venue: Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo
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UK TV: BBC Two and S4C
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UK streaming: BBC iPlayer and S4C online
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USA: FOX Sports
Norway predicted lineup and team news
Predicted formation: 4-3-3
Predicted XI: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Møller Wolfe; Berg, Berge, Ødegaard; Bobb, Haaland, Nusa.
Ståle Solbakken has received a significant boost with Alexander Sørloth returning to the squad after injury. The Atlético Madrid striker provides an alternative to Haaland and could feature from the bench.
Haaland and Martin Ødegaard missed training earlier in the week with minor fitness concerns. Both are expected to be available, although their condition will be assessed before Saturday’s match.
Torbjørn Heggem returns from suspension following his red card against Wales in Cardiff. He could partner Kristoffer Ajer in central defence, with Julian Ryerson and David Møller Wolfe occupying the full-back positions.
Oscar Bobb scored in the reverse fixture and should compete with Andreas Schjelderup for a starting place. Antonio Nusa is expected to provide pace on the opposite flank.
Fredrik Aursnes has reportedly withdrawn from the squad, making Patrick Berg and Sander Berge important midfield options alongside Ødegaard.
Wales predicted lineup and team news
Predicted formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted XI: Darlow; Roberts, Rodon, Davies, Williams; Ampadu, Sheehan; Johnson, Wilson, James; Moore.
Craig Bellamy welcomes back Harry Wilson, Joe Rodon and Karl Darlow after injury absences. Wilson’s creativity could prove particularly important after Wales scored only twice across their opening four Nations League matches.
Rodon’s return strengthens the defence, especially with Ben Cabango suspended. Captain Ben Davies should partner the Leeds United centre-back, while Connor Roberts and Neco Williams are expected to operate at full-back.
Jordan James is unavailable through injury, leaving Ethan Ampadu and Josh Sheehan as potential midfield partners. Sorba Thomas is also suspended.
Brennan Johnson, Wilson and Daniel James could provide support for Kieffer Moore, although Lewis Koumas and David Brooks offer alternatives if Bellamy wants additional movement in attack.
Johnson is also approaching his 50th senior international appearance.
Norway vs Wales stats
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Norway and Wales are level on three points after four Nations League matches.
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Norway sit fourth in Group A4, with Wales third on goal difference.
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Portugal lead the group with 12 points, followed by Denmark on six.
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Norway have lost three consecutive Nations League matches.
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Solbakken’s side have scored six goals and conceded eight in the group.
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Norway have scored in nine consecutive Nations League fixtures.
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Norway have won 10 of their 14 home Nations League matches, drawing one and losing three.
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Erling Haaland has scored 22 goals in 20 Nations League appearances, the competition’s all-time record.
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Haaland has scored three goals in Norway’s two home matches in this campaign.
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FotMob records three Nations League goals for Haaland from 2.51 expected goals this season.
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Wales have won one and lost three of their four group fixtures.
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Wales have scored only two goals, both against Norway.
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Bellamy’s side have failed to score in three of their four Nations League matches.
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Wales have lost both away group matches without scoring.
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Wales defeated Norway 2-1 in Cardiff on 1 October.
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Oscar Bobb scored Norway’s goal before Daniel James and Neco Williams completed the Welsh comeback.
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Wales have never lost a Nations League match by more than two goals across 26 appearances.
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Harry Wilson has scored six goals in 15 Nations League appearances.
Norway vs Wales prediction
Norway’s recent results have been disappointing, but their attacking quality makes them favourites to respond in Oslo.
Haaland remains the biggest threat. His extraordinary Nations League record speaks for itself, and Wales will struggle to contain him if Ødegaard and Nusa consistently provide service.
However, the visitors have already demonstrated that Norway can be beaten.
Bellamy’s side showed resilience in Cardiff, and the return of Wilson should improve their ability to create opportunities on the counterattack.
Norway’s defensive problems also provide encouragement. Eight goals conceded in four matches is a poor return for a side with ambitions of reaching the quarter-finals.
The hosts should dominate possession, but Wales possess enough pace through Johnson and James to punish mistakes.
The first goal could be particularly important. Norway will want to avoid another frustrating evening, while Wales may become increasingly difficult to break down if they take an early lead.
Nevertheless, home advantage and Norway’s attacking options should ultimately prove decisive.
Haaland is capable of making the difference, although Wales have enough quality to ensure this is no comfortable victory.
Score prediction: Norway 2-1 Wales
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