Norway vs Belarus Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Both of these sides had a summer of rest and relaxation forced upon them after failing to qualify for Euro 2016 in France, but both of them will be hoping to do better in the looming World Cup Qualification campaign.

Norway only just missed out on a ticket to France as they lost 3-1 on aggregate to Hungary in the playoffs for the competition, since then they have filled their time with a number of friendly appearances. They have beaten Finland and Iceland, drawn with Estonia and lost to Portugal and Belgium since their final Euro 2016 qualifying match.

This is a fairly decent set of results considering the quality of their opposition, and in qualifying they managed to overcome the likes of Croatia as well. Draws against Sweden and Estonia ended up costing them the chance to play in France though.

Belarus went one better than Norway and missed out on the Euro 2016 playoffs as they finished 4th in their group, behind Spain, Slovakia, and Ukraine. They weren’t even close to making 3rd place either, with their 11 point haul leaving them eight points adrift of 3rd placed Ukraine.

They did manage an impressive win in Slovakia during qualification, but their only other points of the campaign came against Macedonia and Luxembourg. Since qualification ended they have beaten Republic of Ireland, lost to Northern Ireland and played goalless draws with Armenia and Montenegro.

Norway have actually been pretty decent at home as well. They have won four of their last five, including victories against both Croatia and fan favourites Iceland. This, plus their marginal advantage in quality over Belarus, makes the hosts clear favourites in my eyes. I’m backing a win for Norway at 8/11 along with a 2-0 correct score prediction at 6/1.