Austria vs Norway: Promotion Race Intensifies in Linz as Haaland Faces Familiar Bundesliga Foes

Austria and Norway face off on Sunday, October 13, in a crucial UEFA Nations League clash that could decide who tops League B Group 3.

With Norway leading the group and Austria just three points behind, both sides will be eager to secure a vital win in a game that will see Erling Haaland face a lot of familiar faces from the German Bundesliga from his time in the league.

Norway, unbeaten so far, will look to continue their dominance, while Austria, fresh from a 4-0 win over Kazakhstan, hopes to close the gap and challenge for promotion.

🔴Austria Look to Close the Gap on Norway | Home Win = 2.07💵

Austria enters this fixture with momentum, having demolished Kazakhstan 4-0 in their last outing. Under Ralf Rangnick, the Austrians have shown glimpses of quality, especially in attack.

Austria sits second in the group, just behind Norway, and a win could propel them to first place based on goal difference. They will need to replicate their amazing performances from their last game to overcome Norway’s sturdy defense.

⚪Norway Aim to Extend Unbeaten Run | Away Win = 3.64💵

Norway's campaign has been bolstered by the remarkable form of Erling Haaland, who became the nation’s all-time top scorer in their recent 3-0 victory over Slovenia.

Haaland has netted three goals in the group stage, while Norway's defence has been rock solid, conceding just one goal in three matches. Ståle Solbakken's side is aiming to remain unbeaten in the group and secure their spot at the top of the standings.

🔑Key Players & Team News📰:

Norway will once again look to Erling Haaland, who has been unstoppable this season. With Martin Ødegaard still sidelined, much of the creative burden will fall on the likes of Alexander Sørloth and Jørgen Strand Larsen, who support Haaland in attack. Defensively, Norway has been reliable, with only one goal conceded so far.

Austria will miss key defenders, with captain David Alaba still recovering from injury. However, Rangnick has options in defence, with Philipp Lienhart and Gernot Trauner forming a solid partnership. Sabitzer and Baumgartner will lead the attack, while veteran Marko Arnautović could feature prominently.

🔢Match Stats & Betting Odds🔢| Draw = 3.66💵

🥇The Norwegians have the upper hand, having defeated Austria 2-1 in their previous meeting, thanks to goals from Haaland and Felix Myhre. |Specials Market: Draw/Away & Over 1.5 = 2.20

🥇Austria has the historical edge in their head-to-head meetings, with seven wins from 13 encounters. | Specials Market: Home/Draw & Over 2.5 = 2.35

🥇There have been over 2.5 goals in three of the last five games of both Austria and Norway. Also, the last meeting between the two teams saw over 2.5 goals| Main Market: Over 2.5 = 1.76

Both sides have potent attacking options, but given Norway's solid defence and Austria’s inconsistent results against top teams, this could be a close contest. With top-of-the-table implications, it’s set to be a gripping battle.

🔗You can follow and check out the UEFA Nations League game, Austria vs Norway, on MSport.

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