Norway – Switzerland

There is something special about these friendly matches. The result means little on paper, but at the same time it means quite a lot to the players who are fighting for places, rhythm and self-confidence before what lies ahead.

When Norway hosts Switzerland at Ullevaal, there are two teams that are initially well-organized, but who now get the opportunity to let loose a little. It is precisely in such matches that we often get a different picture of the game than in a decisive match, with less structure, more substitutions and periods where things open up.

And that's exactly what points in one direction.

Norway – With Haaland back and something to prove

Norway comes into this match after a little reality check last time, and it is rare for a team to respond better than right here, at home at Ullevaal, with the crowd behind them and with players who want to show off.

The most important thing is that Erling Braut Haaland is back. Although he is unlikely to play 90 minutes, he changes the whole dynamic of this team. Norway becomes more direct, more threatening and far more effective when the chances first come.

At the same time, this is a match where several players are fighting for a place in the squad going forward. That means pace, will and offensive desire – but also periods with less structure, especially when the substitutions start coming.

Norway is a team that rarely plays “controlled friendly matches.” They go for it and it often results in goals both ways.

Switzerland – Stable machine with offensive qualities

Switzerland comes into this match with a completely different stability than one might think at first glance. They have been difficult to beat over time and have delivered solid performances through qualifiers and the fall matches.

At the same time, they showed against Germany recently that this team is not only structured, they can also help open matches. Scoring three goals against Germany speaks volumes, but so does the fact that they conceded four.

With players like Xhaka, Embolo and Vargas, they have both the physicality and quality to threaten Norway, and they are more than comfortable in games that swing back and forth.

It's also a team with a clear structure at the bottom, but in friendly matches, like all others, it loosens up a bit. And that's when the gaps arise.

Conclusion – A match picture that screams goals

This doesn't smell like a dead-end international match. This smells like a match that lives its own life.

Both teams have quality offensively. Both teams have shown they can score goals. And both teams are going into a match where the result is not the most important thing.

The numbers support it:

• 7 of Switzerland's last 10 matches have seen over 2.5 goals
• 7 of Norway's last 10 matches have seen over 2.5 goals

If you add the friendly match factor with substitutions, lower defensive structure and more offensive freedom, you get a match picture that quickly opens up.

This is not a game where the teams stand and feel each other out. This is a game where things can swing.

Bet suggestions

Training match at 18:00 Norway – Switzerland: Over 2.5 goals (1.65)

Alternative game:

Training match at 18:00 Norway – Switzerland: Over 2.5 goals + both teams to score (1.91)