Norway vs New Zealand: Match Preview, Predictions, Team News, Lineups

Norway is set to challenge New Zealand in an international friendly on Tuesday night in Oslo. The match is an opportunity for Norway to maintain their impressive winning streak, while New Zealand seeks to break a four-match losing streak.

Match Overview: Norway vs. New Zealand

Norway, managed by Stale Solbakken, boasts a remarkable record with nine consecutive wins in all competitions. Their recent performances include significant victories: a 3-0 win over Italy, an emphatic 11-1 against Moldova, and a 5-0 rout of Israel. Additionally, Norway’s qualifying campaign for the World Cup has seen them dominate their group with a flawless record of six victories, scoring 29 goals and conceding only three.

Conversely, New Zealand has already secured their place in next summer’s World Cup after earning direct qualification from the Oceania Football Confederation. They achieved this feat by winning three initial group matches, accumulating a total of 19 goals, including a staggering 16 against Vanuatu and Samoa. Following this, they triumphed in playoff matches against Fiji and New Caledonia to confirm their World Cup spot.

Current Form

• Norway: W W W W W W
• New Zealand: W W L L L L

Team News and Player Availability

Norway’s roster has seen several changes lately. Key players such as Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson, Erling Haaland, and Fredrik Bjorkan have been rested. Additionally, Felix Myhre has withdrawn due to an ankle injury, while Martin Odegaard and Leo Ostigard are sidelined with injuries. Sebastian Sebulonsen and Sverre Nypan have been called up to bolster the squad.

On the New Zealand side, injuries have also impacted their selection, with Elijah Just and Dalton Wilkins unavailable. Chris Wood, a veteran forward with 45 international goals, remains a focal point for the All Whites as they prepare for this match.

Projected Lineups

Norway’s Expected Starting XI

• Nylad
• Wolfe
• Lysaker Heggem
• Ajer
• Sebulonsen
• Berg
• Berge
• Bobb
• Nusa
• Larsen
• Heggebo

New Zealand’s Expected Starting XI

• Paulsen
• De Vries
• Boxall
• Surman
• Payne
• Stamenic
• Thomas
• Garbett
• Singh
• McCowatt
• Wood

Prediction: Norway vs. New Zealand

Given their current form and home advantage, Norway is expected to come out on top against New Zealand. Despite recent struggles for the All Whites, this friendly serves as an important test for both teams ahead of the World Cup. My prediction is Norway 2, New Zealand 1.