Côte d'Ivoire aim to upset Norway in World Cup knockout clash
Well-rested Norway face an ambitious Côte d'Ivoire side chasing a first-ever place in the World Cup round of 16.
Norway and Côte d'Ivoire meet at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Tuesday (30 June) in a Round of 32 clash, with both sides aiming to secure a place in the Fifa World Cup round of 16.
Norway enter the tie as slight favourites after advancing from one of the tournament's most difficult groups, while Côte d'Ivoire arrive full of confidence after reaching the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time in their history.
Kick-off is at 11pm BST (Bangladesh Standard Time).
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Norway are expected to restore their strongest XI after making 10 changes in their defeat against France.
Head coach Ståle Solbakken is likely to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, with Martin Ødegaard, Sander Berge and Thelo Aasgaard controlling midfield and supplying Erling Haaland.
Alexander Sørloth and Antonio Nusa are expected to provide width and pace in attack.
The Norwegians have been prolific in front of goal, with Haaland among the tournament's leading scorers, but defensive inconsistency remains a concern.
They have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 matches.
Côte d'Ivoire, under Emerse Faé, are expected to line up in a compact 4-2-3-1 system built on physicality and quick transitions. Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré will anchor midfield, while Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande and Nicolas Pépé provide creativity and pace in support of the attack.
Les Éléphants have impressed with their balance, athleticism and counter-attacking threat.
However, defensive injuries could test their organisation against Norway's powerful frontline.
Norway are likely to be boosted by the return of regular starters after heavy rotation against France. Right-back Julian Ryerson remains a doubt due to a thigh injury, with Fredrik Aursnes expected to continue in defence if needed.
Côte d'Ivoire also face a defensive concern, with Wilfried Singo struggling with a hamstring issue. Guéla Doué is expected to retain his place at right-back.
Probable XI
Norway (4-3-3): Ørjan Nyland; Fredrik Aursnes, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem, David Møller Wolfe; Martin Ødegaard (c), Sander Berge, Thelo Aasgaard; Alexander Sørloth, Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa.
Côte d'Ivoire (4-2-3-1): Yahia Fofana; Guéla Doué, Odilon Kossounou, Ousmane Diomande, Ghislain Konan; Ibrahim Sangaré, Franck Kessié (c); Amad Diallo, Mohamed Oulai, Yan Diomande; Nicolas Pépé.
