Norway to thrash Northern Ireland in their opener
Norway kick off their Euro 2022 tournament against a Northern Ireland outfit that have qualified for their first ever major competition. The two most recent previous meetings between the sides ended with big scores in favour of the Gresshoppene, and there's little reason to suggest that will change on Thursday night at St. Mary's Stadium. Read our preview here:
First Ada
After a five-year absence from the international stage for well-publicised reasons, Ada Hegerberg is back on the scene and gunning for glory. Boasting an astonishing record of better than a goal every game for club side Lyon, she will spearhead a frightening looking duo in attack for Martin Sjögren's side, with Barcelona's Caroline Graham Hansen in support. Elsewhere, Vilde Bøe Risa will vie with Ingrid Syrstad Engen and Frida Maanum for the two slots in central midfield.
Full Nelson
GAWA will be backed heavily by their travelling support as they make their bow. Kenny Shiels might even opt to deploy Abbie Magee as a sweeper in an attempt to mark and track Hegerberg. 37 year old Julie Nelson's experience will be crucial in limiting Norway's shooting opportunities, and she will be the linchpin in the backline. Glentoran's Lauren Wade could plough a very lone furrow on her own as sole striker.
Betting tip
Parimatch have odds of 2.30 for a handicap of 3 for Norway, now with one of the best players in the world at the tip of the side, to still beat Northern Ireland.
