Spain v Norway EURO 2024 Qualifiers: Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 25)

The Narrative

A new era of Spanish football gets underway on Saturday as Luis de la Fuente begins his reign as La Roja’s new manager.

Nuts & Bolts 

Spain will take on Norway in their opening Euro 2024 qualification fixture, hoping to put behind them a disappointing World Cup campaign that saw Luis Enrique’s side eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16.

With Enrique calling time after that blow in Qatar, De la Fuente will hope to kick off his tenure with a win at La Rosaleda Stadium in Malaga.

The new head coach has been a fixture of the Spanish football federation for over ten years, gradually making his way up the managerial ladder by way of the U19s, U21s and U23s. 

That journey means De la Fuente is well acquainted with Spain’s best up and coming players, and he’s already made some bold moves picking his first national team squad. Out go the likes of Éric García, Ferran Torres, and Marco Asensio, and in come names such as Kepa Arrizabalaga, Bryan Gil, and Iago Aspas.

The big news for Norway is a name that won't be on the team sheet. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland already has 28 Premier League goals this season, and the 22 year old’s absence through injury changes the whole complexion of the Saturday's matchup.

Alexander Sørloth will deputize as Norway’s number 9, and the Real Sociedad striker has a good record at international level with 16 goals in 45 appearances. Martin Ødegaard will captain the side but without Haaland up front, the Arsenal captain may struggle to create chances against the Spanish back line.

Since the golden era that saw them win both the Euros and the World Cup, Spain have failed to live up to their own hype or to capitalize on squads that represent the finest players in La Liga and beyond.

Enrique’s Spain tended to dominate possession but with little end product, and the likes of Álvaro Morata and Iago Aspas will hope to put that right against Norway. 

Morata has racked up 30 goals in his 61 caps for the national side, and has 12 goals for Atletico Madrid in all competitions this season. Iago Aspas has 12 goals and 4 assists for Celta Vigo, and between the two of them Spain have more than enough firepower to get the job done.

Homestand Picks

All odd courtesy of Northstar Bets

Same Game Parlay: Spain & Over 2.5 Goals (+105)

New manager, new squad, new era. With Luis Enrique gone Spain have a chance to get back to their free-flowing best. If that happens expect a La Roja win and goals galore.

Iago Aspas anytime goal (+125)

Several names could get on the scoresheet tomorrow, but we’re back the Celta Vigo man to seize his chance against Norway.

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