Senegal (0-1) and Norway (1-0) will face off today at 8:00 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Norway is favored at a +120 price on the moneyline, with the over/under set at 2.5 (-110o / -111u) goals.
Let's get into my Norway vs Senegal predictions for tonight's World Cup match.
Norway vs Senegal Prediction
Pick: Both Teams To Score — Yes
My Norway vs Senegal prediction is that both teams will score. Norway comes into this game with one of the most potent strikers in the world, but their defense has consistently shown vulnerabilities. Senegal, despite a loss to France, has enough attacking firepower to exploit those weaknesses, making a wager on both sides finding the back of the net a solid proposition.
Norway vs Senegal Odds
| Senegal Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 -160 | 2.5 -110o / -111u | +210 |
| Norway Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 +110 | 2.5 -110o / -111u | +120 |
Norway vs Senegal World Cup Preview
This match is projected to be a tightly contested affair between two evenly matched teams. Norway enters with the momentum from a decisive opening victory, but Senegal has the quality to pose a significant challenge, potentially leading to an exciting, end-to-end game. For Norway, defensive solidity will be crucial. They managed to tighten up in the second half against Iraq, conceding only two shots, but Senegal’s attack represents a much sterner test.
The battle for possession will be a key factor. Both teams are comfortable on the ball, with Senegal averaging over 60% possession and Norway 58% in their last ten competitive matches, respectively. This suggests a hard-fought contest in the midfield. Erling Haaland remains the primary threat for Norway; his physicality and clinical finishing caused chaos against Iraq, and he led all players in expected goals (xG) with 1.85 after the first round of matches.
Historically, these two nations have met only once before, in a 2006 friendly that Senegal won 2-1. In tournament play, Norway has only faced an African opponent once, drawing 2-2 with Morocco in 1998. Senegal has more experience against European sides, with the recent match against France being their eighth such encounter in the competition's history. Given the stakes in the group, expect a physical and intense game.
Check out the best soccer odds before making your Norway vs Senegal picks.
Norway vs Senegal Picks, Parlay
- Both Teams to Score — Yes (-133 at bet365)
- Erling Haaland to Score (-111 at bet365)
Norway showcased their offensive strength by putting four goals past Iraq in their opening match, but their defensive record raises questions. Conceding a goal in that game marked the seventh time in their last eight matches that both teams have scored. This trend includes games against less formidable opponents like Estonia and New Zealand, suggesting a persistent defensive issue that a team of Senegal’s caliber can exploit.
Senegal possesses a wealth of attacking talent capable of troubling any defense in this competition. Players like Ibrahim Mbaye, who scored against France, and Iliman Ndiaye provide significant depth and quality in the final third. The ability to bring on such effective attackers late in the game, especially in the demanding North American climate, gives Senegal a major advantage as defenses tire.
On the other side, Norway’s attack is led by the formidable duo of Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth. This pairing presents a nightmare for defenders with their combination of strength, speed, and finishing ability. Norway averaged an impressive 4.63 goals per 90 minutes during qualifying and continued that form in their tournament opener. Given these offensive strengths on both sides, backing both teams to score seems like a logical pick.
Furthermore, Erling Haaland's individual form makes him a prime candidate to score anytime. He has been directly involved in 25 goals (22 goals, 3 assists) in his last 11 competitive matches for Norway. After scoring twice against Iraq on matchday one, he is a constant threat and Norway's designated penalty taker, adding another potential route to a goal.
Norway vs Senegal Projected Lineups
Senegal Projected Lineup (4-3-3)
Goalkeepers: Édouard Mendy
Defenders: Krépin Diatta, Moussa Niakhaté, Kalidou Koulibaly, El Hadji Diouf
Midfielders: Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara
Forwards: Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mané
Norway Projected Lineup (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Orjan Nyland
Defenders: Julian Ryerson, Torbjorn Heggem, Kristoffer Ajer, David Wolfe
Midfielders: Sander Berge, Martin Odegaard, Fredrik Aursnes
Forwards: Alexander Sorloth, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa
Norway vs Senegal Betting Trends
Norway vs Senegal Weather
Inclement weather could impact tonight's Norway-Senegal match. According to Accuweather, the day time high will be around 76 degrees with a night-time low of 68 degrees. The probability of precipitation at night is 96% with humidity.
