Norway v Northern Ireland Women's Euro 2022 predictions: Scandinavians to shine

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Norway v Northern Ireland in Women's Euro 2022 on Thursday.

Where to watch

BBC One / BBC iPlayer, 8pm Thursday

Best bet

Norway -2 goals on handicap
1pt 8-11 Betfair, Paddy Power

Team news

Norway
Captain Maren Mjelde should start having made the Euro 2022 squad after a long period on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland may have to do without skipper Marissa Callaghan, who is still returning to fitness after injury.

Match preview

Tournament debutants Northern Ireland will want to show they are not just at Euro 2022 to make up the numbers but a baptism of fire could await them in their first match against Norway.

The Green and White Army booked their place at this summer's European Championship thanks to a playoff win over Ukraine, having won only four of their eight matches in the initial qualifying phase, and they are as big as 14-1 to reach the knockouts at Euro 2022.

Two-time champions Norway were unimpressive at Euro 2017, crashing out in the group stage with three defeats from three matches.

But 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg has since returned to the fold to form part of a devastating attack.

Barcelona's Caroline Graham Hansen and Chelsea talent Guro Reiten are expected to start either side of Hegerberg and the trio can rack up the goals at St Mary’s.

Building up to the tournament, Northern Ireland have conceded 12 goals in their last three matches against Austria, England and Belgium.

And they will not be helped in this match by the potential absence of captain and key midfielder Marissa Callaghan, who made the squad despite injury concerns.

Norway are expected to be England’s closest challengers for top spot in Group A and they can outline their credentials with a comprehensive win.

Back them -2 goals on the handicap, whereby they need to win by three or more goals for the bet to win.

Key stat

Northern Ireland have lost each of their last four matches.

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