This fixture will decide the winner of Group A in League C of the UEFA Nations League. Will it be Slovakia or Sweden, after both sides posted a perfect start with two wins?
Both Sweden and Slovakia picked up convincing wins over Estonia and Azerbaijan but the next challenge will prove their real strength at the moment. The two national teams share the same goal – to get back to League B after getting relegated.
The Slovak Falcons managed to keep all danger away from their goal and won both matches with clean sheets. There is potential in that squad and they are interesting to watch after their performance at the Euros where they beat Belgium and nearly took out England at the 1/8 finals.
And while Slovakia had no problems in the first couple of rounds, Sweeden took the group by storm. The Blagult scored three goals in each match and their positive record against this opponent could be enough to stimulate their progress with a third win in a row.
How the bookies view it: Almost couldn't be closer
The odds for this fixture are almost perfectly in the middle, with neither side getting favoured by the bookmakers. Betano gave Slovakia a slight edge with 29/19 as opposed to 16/9 for Sweden. The draw sits at 12/5.
Recent head to head: Can Slovakia break the curse?
Slovakia and Sweden have met seven times in the last 25 years and the results have been straightforward. Slovakia remain winless against this opponent, losing three times and drawing four. Interestingly, there was a draw each time Sweden travelled to Bratislava. The most recent encounter happened during the previous Euro in 2021 and Sweden won 1-0.
Players to watch: Тhe next Ibrahimovich?
It is shocking how Viktor Gyokeres remains in Sporting after his unbelievable season last year. The striker nailed 40 goals for his club across all competitions and this new campaign promises to be even more impressive.
The Swede has already scored 13 goals for Sporting this season and also featured in five of Sweden's six Nations League goals to date. He scored twice against Estonia, once against Azerbaijan, and provided two assists.
With Alexander Isak out for this match, Gyokeres will be the target of all passes and we expect him to score again.
Probable line-ups:
Slovakia: Dubravka, Hancko, Obert, Skriniar, Gyomber, Duda, Lobotka, Benes, Suslov, Strelec, Haraslin
Sweden: Johansson, Gudmundsson, Hien, Douglas, Sema, Saletros, Ayari, Eliasson, Kulusevski, Elanga, Gyokeres
Anything else catch the eye?
Only one of the seven H2Hs in the past ended with more than two goals at full-time. Judging by Slovakia's defensive work, there is a considerable chance for a low scoreline, even a 0-0.
At the same time, nearly all of Sweden's away games in recent years ended with both teams scoring. Their last three visits include a 3-2 against Norway, a 4-1 against Serbia, and a 1-3 with Azerbaijan.
Slovakia proved they can score against the best during the Euros, scoring one goal in each of their four matches, including against Belgium and England. The more we look at this fixture, the more it feels like a 1-1 draw.
This UEFA Nations League match between Slovakia and Sweden will be played on Oct 11, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Slovakia vs Sweden prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
