As Norway and Kosovo prepare for their upcoming international friendly, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these teams will perform.
The match, scheduled for June 5, 2024, at Oslo's Ullevaal Stadion, promises an intriguing clash between two teams aiming to build momentum ahead of future competitions.
Match Preview
Norway's Recent Form
Norway, managed by Stale Solbakken, has had a mixed run in recent fixtures.
They finished third in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, behind Spain and Scotland, thus missing out on the tournament.
However, their squad, boasting talents like Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and Alexander Sorloth, offers plenty of promise.
Despite recent losses to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Norway has won five of their last eight friendlies, indicating strong potential to secure a win against Kosovo.
Kosovo's Recent Form
Kosovo, under new head coach Franco Foda, has experienced a turbulent period.
They finished second-bottom in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, with only two wins from ten games.
Foda's tenure started with a victory over Armenia but was followed by a defeat to Hungary.
The team is still finding its footing, and their upcoming match against Norway will be crucial for building confidence and cohesion ahead of the UEFA Nations League.
Team News
Norway
Norway faces a setback with Alexander Sorloth sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
This opens the door for Manchester City's Oscar Bobb and Malmo's Erik Botheim to potentially join Erling Haaland in the attack.
Martin Odegaard will captain the side, while Andreas Schjelderup might earn his first senior cap.
Probable Lineup: Nyland; Ajer, Hanche-Olsen, Ostigard, Wolfe; Odegaard, Thorstvedt, Berge; Larsen, Haaland, Bobb
Kosovo
Kosovo's squad will be led by captain Amir Rrahmani.
Burnley's Arijanet Muric will likely start in goal, and Vedat Muriqi, Kosovo's all-time top scorer, is expected to spearhead the attack.
However, winger Milot Rashica will miss the match due to injury.
Probable Lineup: Muric; Vojvoda, Am. Rrahmani, Aliti, Paqarada; Idrizi, V. Berisha; Zhegrova, B. Berisha, Rashani; Muriqi
Prediction
Given their superior squad depth and recent friendly form, Norway is favoured to win this match.
Kosovo's struggles in front of goal, with only three goals in their last five games, further tilt the scales in Norway's favour.
Norway 
Kosovo 
