Norway vs Georgia: Head to head statistics
Norway vs Georgia recommended bets
Norway vs Georgia match preview
Before a ball was kicked on Group A, both of these two teams had serious aspirations of a top two finish, although both’s hopes of achieving this are fading fast.
Back in March, they played out a 1-1 draw in Batumi, Alexander Sørloth’s opener cancelled out by Georges Mikautadze, and this is indicative of the fact both have found wins hard to come by.
Either side of that, Norway were beaten by both Spain in Málaga and then Scotland at home.
In the latter, they led 1-0 in the 87th minute, after Erling Braut Håland had converted a penalty, but it was the Tartan Army who were celebrating come full time, having scored twice in less than 100 seconds.
Ståle Solbakken’s side, belatedly, claimed their first victory of this campaign on matchday four, swatting aside Cyprus 3-1, before also hammering Jordan 6-0 in a friendly on Thursday.
The Lions are desperately seeking to qualify for a first major tournament since Euro 2000 and, given that they’re not guaranteed a play-off spot, Norway need to finish in the top two of this group.
For this to be even remotely achievable, one feels this game is must win for the home side.
Georgia meantime will travel to Oslo understandably lacking confidence, after they were demolished 7-1 by Spain at Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in the pouring rain on Friday evening.
Solomon Kvirkvelia turning home an unfortunate own goal, while Giorgi Chakvetadze’s strike offered little residence, as the Crusaders shipped 7+ for the first time ever.
Willy Sagnol’s side, just like Norway, also have four points on the board, their sole victory, to date, also coming against Cyprus, leaving Larnaca 2-1 winners in June.
Georgia are guaranteed a play-off spot, having won promotion to Nations League B last year, but won’t be making much progress in those play-offs with performances like that.
Given that Spain will almost certainly steamroller Cyprus simultaneously, both simply must win at Ullevål Stadion to remain in the hunt for a top two finish.
Norway team news
Star striker Erling Braut Håland has scored 24 times in 25 international appearance, netting three times in two Euro qualifying home fixtures this year.
Håland was rested for Thursday’s rout of Jordan, but will return here, possibly partnered by Jørgen Strand Larsen, given that both Mohamed Elyounoussi and Alexander Sørloth are out injured.
Georgia team news
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is Georgia’s superstar attacker, although the most-recent of his ten goals for his country came against Gibraltar 12 months ago.
Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili is the number one goalkeeper these days, while Georges Mikautadze will be looking for his third goal of this campaign, including netting in the reverse fixture at Batumi Stadium.