Arsenal and Manchester City look set to benefit with Norway on the verge of missing out on another major tournament.
Norway suffered a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 qualifier last night and as a result, they can no longer qualify through the group stage.
With the defeat, Spain and Scotland have automatically booked their spot in the tournament next summer and Norway are now reliant on Netherlands and Israel.
Stale Solbakken’s side need both countries to qualify for Euro 2024 through their groups or else, they would be eliminated.
If only one of Netherlands or Israel make the top two, it would directly benefit Iceland, who are the higher ranked team.
Hence, Norway’s chances of making Euro 2024 are quite bleak, but it could be good news for Arsenal and Man City.
Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland have been hugely influential players for Arsenal and Man City respectively and both could get a breather over the summer.
Of course, the fans would love them to make the tournament, but with the increased workload in the coming seasons, this could be beneficial for both of them.
With UEFA revamping the European competitions for the 2024/25 season, teams will be playing several more games which could directly lead to more injuries.
Missing a summer tournament could be a good thing with this in mind. In the short-term, both Odegaard and Haaland have key roles to play for their respective clubs.
Odegaard has started the campaign in fine fashion. He has three goals and one assist in the Premier League and will be key to beating Chelsea on the road on Saturday.
City, on the other hand, will be aiming to return to winning ways after multiple setbacks. The champions have lost three straight domestic games including two in the top-flight.
Haaland, who has netted eight goals this campaign, is on a mini four-game goal drought. He will be desperate to break the streak against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
The top position could be exchanged several times during this game week. City could temporarily go top with a win. Arsenal could claim the spot if they manage to beat the Blues.
Tottenham Hotspur will have the chance to reclaim the first position when they entertain Fulham next Monday.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
