The top two teams in League B Group 3 of the UEFA Nations League will clash on Sunday evening as Austria hosts Norway in a high-stakes match in Linz. Austria aims to capitalize on home advantage and keep up their promotion hopes, while Norway hopes to maintain their lead at the top with another strong performance. Both teams are looking to solidify their positions in the race for League A promotion.
Recent Form and Group Standing
Austria comes into this fixture on the back of a much-needed confidence boost. After a disappointing September campaign where they managed only one point from two away games—including a narrow 2-1 loss to Norway—they rebounded emphatically on Thursday. A dominant 4-0 victory over Kazakhstan not only restored morale but also kept them level on points with Slovenia, who are equally determined to challenge for promotion.
The format of the Nations League dictates that the group winner earns automatic promotion to League A, while second place guarantees a playoff opportunity. Austria, having been relegated from League A last season, is determined to return to the top tier, especially after an encouraging showing at Euro 2024. However, their task will be challenging, as they have managed only one win in their last four encounters with Norway, though that victory came during the 2020 Nations League.
Norway, meanwhile, arrives in Linz full of momentum. With seven points from their first three matches, they sit atop Group 3. They started the campaign with a frustrating goalless draw in Kazakhstan but followed it up with back-to-back wins, including their earlier triumph over Austria. Their main man, Erling Haaland, has been in electric form, breaking his country’s all-time goal-scoring record in the process. Haaland’s two goals in Norway’s 3-1 win over Slovenia on Thursday underscored his growing stature as one of the most lethal forwards in international football.
Austria’s Tactical Outlook
Austria manager Ralf Rangnick has had to adapt his defensive setup this month due to the absence of several key players. Captain David Alaba remains sidelined with a long-term injury, and defenders Kevin Danso and Maximilian Wober are also unavailable. Rangnick paired Philipp Lienhart and Gernot Trauner in central defense against Kazakhstan, but competition remains fierce, with Michael Svoboda and Marco Friedl both vying for a starting role. Friedl, returning to the national setup after more than two years, could offer Rangnick more options in defense.
In attack, Rangnick experimented by starting Junior Adamu against Kazakhstan, but veteran Marko Arnautovic may reclaim his place for the Norway encounter. Austria’s attack has been spearheaded by Christoph Baumgartner and Marcel Sabitzer, both of whom have been in fine form. Sabitzer, in particular, has emerged as a crucial figure in Austria’s midfield, pulling the strings and contributing goals, as seen in the recent win against Kazakhstan. Rangnick’s side will rely heavily on their midfield dynamism to control the game, with Konrad Laimer expected to play a vital role in breaking Norway’s rhythm.
Norway’s Form and Key Players
Norway’s success so far has been built around the exceptional talents of Erling Haaland, who is enjoying a record-breaking season. The 24-year-old striker, who spent a formative part of his career in the Austrian Bundesliga, seems to relish every opportunity to add to his growing legacy. With 34 goals to his name at the international level, Haaland will be the biggest threat to Austria’s defense.
However, Norway will be without their inspirational captain, Martin Ødegaard, who remains sidelined due to an ankle injury. Ødegaard’s absence leaves a creative void in midfield, though the team has managed to compensate through the efforts of other players like Sander Berge and Morten Thorsby. Both midfielders bring energy and physicality, and they will need to be at their best to stifle Austria’s midfielders.
Jørgen Strand Larsen and Alexander Sørloth offer Norway additional firepower upfront. Sørloth, who has been in fine form for Atlético Madrid, has proven to be an ideal partner for Haaland. Meanwhile, the young winger Antonio Nusa will provide width and pace, giving Norway the ability to stretch Austria’s defense.
In defense, Norway’s manager Ståle Solbakken will likely stick with Leo Østigård and Andreas Hanche-Olsen at the back, supported by Kristoffer Ajer. These defenders will need to be alert to Austria’s fast transitions, particularly given the home side’s preference for aggressive pressing and quick counter-attacks.
Predicted Lineups
Austria:
Formation: 4-3-3
Pentz; Posch, Svoboda, Lienhart, Prass; Seiwald, Laimer, Sabitzer; Schmid, Baumgartner, Arnautovic
Norway:
Formation: 4-4-2
Nyland; Ajer, Østigård, Hanche-Olsen, Wolfe; Pedersen, Thorsby, Berge, Nusa; Sørloth, Haaland
Key Tactical Battles
One of the defining elements of this match will be how Austria’s midfield trio of Laimer, Sabitzer, and Nicolas Seiwald cope with Norway’s physical midfielders. Both sides like to press high and disrupt their opponent’s build-up play, which could result in a scrappy battle for control in the middle of the pitch. Austria will look to leverage their speed on the flanks, with Baumgartner and Schmid capable of causing problems for Norway’s full-backs.
Norway, on the other hand, will rely on Haaland’s clinical finishing and Sørloth’s ability to hold up play. Without Ødegaard pulling the strings from midfield, the Norwegians may adopt a more direct approach, seeking to exploit Haaland’s pace and strength in behind Austria’s backline.
Set pieces could also play a significant role, given the aerial prowess of players like Sørloth, Ajer, and Trauner. Both teams have shown they can be dangerous from corners and free-kicks, which may tip the balance in what promises to be a tight encounter.
Prediction
When these two teams last met in September, Norway edged Austria with an 80th-minute winner. This time, Austria will have the advantage of playing at home, which could tilt the balance slightly in their favor. Both sides are evenly matched, and with so much at stake in terms of promotion, it is likely to be a fiercely contested game.
Austria’s recent 4-0 win over Kazakhstan will give them confidence, but Norway’s form and the presence of Haaland mean they remain a formidable opponent. Austria will likely try to control the tempo and prevent Norway from settling into their rhythm, while the visitors will aim to feed Haaland as often as possible.
Given the strengths and weaknesses of both sides, a draw seems a fair outcome. Austria’s home advantage and midfield quality may help them avoid defeat, but Norway’s firepower upfront ensures they will not leave Linz empty-handed.
Prediction: Austria 2-2 Norway
