Ireland v Norway predictions: Irish can secure a morale-boosting victory

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Ireland v Norway in an international friendly on Thursday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football, 7.45pm Thursday

Best bet

Ireland
1pt 9-5 Betfred

Match preview

Ireland have had a tough year but they staved off Nations League relegation with a 3-2 victory at home to Armenia in September and can make a winning start to their November friendlies by defeating Norway at the Aviva Stadium.

Stephen Kenny's side wrap up their 2022 schedule with a trip to Malta on Sunday but the Norway game commands their immediate attention and their chances of victory are much higher due to the absence of Erling Haaland.

The Manchester City striker was called up to the squad but has been allowed to skip the trip to Dublin and focus on Sunday's clash at home to Finland.

There will be some talent in the Norwegian side, including Arsenal attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard, Southampton attacker Mohamed Elyounoussi and Real Sociedad forward Alexander Sorloth.

But Norway are also missing a number of key players with first-choice defenders Andreas Hanche-Olsen and Kristoffer Ajer and influential midfielders Sander Berge and Fredrik Aursnes among their injured absentees.

Ireland should sense an opportunity to boost their morale before they kick-off Euro 2024 qualifying in March with a home match against France.

Kenny's side finished third in their Nations League group but they had some positive moments with a 3-0 win at home to Scotland and a 1-1 draw with Ukraine in Poland.

There are signs of progress with Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen's passing ability coming to the fore and Michael Obafemi and Chiedozie Ogbene offering pace and dynamism in attack.

Euro 2024 qualification will be a tough ask given France and the Netherlands are in Ireland's group, but the Boys in Green should fancy their chances against a depleted Norway and look value to get the win.

Key stat

Ireland have won three of their last four home matches

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A 65" TV

Sign up to emails from Racing Post Sport and get all the latest news and tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport