Sweden have been massive underachievers in recent years but a win away to Slovenia in their World Cup qualification opener would lay the foundations for a first major finals since 2020.
The Swedes have missed the last two tournaments, sitting out Qatar 2022 and Euro 2024, and that has been a big surprise given the quality in their ranks.
The likes of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Anthony Elanga have all moved for mega money in the summer window so there can be no excuses if John Dahl Tomasson's men fail to book a ticket for North America next summer.
There's only one automatic spot available in Group B though and it won't be easy with Switzerland and Kosovo the other teams in the section.
It should be a battle between Sweden and Swiss for top spot but Slovenia will also fancy their chances, especially if they can shock Tomasson's troops in this opening fixture.
The Slovenians did qualify for Euro 2024 and made it to the last 16 so they have enough talent in their ranks to cause an upset if Sweden's superstars aren't on top form.
How the bookies view it: Sweden with the edge
There's no doubt Sweden boast the more talented squad and BoyleSports make them 5/4 favourites for this one. Slovenia are 5/2 shots and the draw pays 21/10.
Head to head: Slo off the mark
These teams have faced off just four times since the breakup of Yugoslavia and Slovenia have yet to win, with two defeats and two draws. They last played three years ago in the Nations League, with Sweden winning 2-0 in Slovenia before a 1-1 draw in Stockholm.
Players to watch: To Viktor the spoils
Isak has been the name on everyone's lips this summer but his stand-off with Newcastle before a deadline-day move to Liverpool has ensured he has yet to play this season. He may have to start on the bench for the Swedes so Arsenal new boy Gyokeres looks a better bet for a goal at 15/8 with Bet365.
Benjamin Sesko's Manchester United career hasn't been a success so far, with the striker starting only the horror League Cup loss to Grimsby. He remains Slovenia's main man though and is 7/4 at Bet365 for a goal in their World Cup opener.
Probable line-ups
Pafos midfielder Ken Sema will be hoping his hat-trick in the friendly win over Algeria earns him a starting slot for the Swedes. Spurs star Dejan Kulusevski remains a long-term absentee.
Sesko should start up top for Slovenia despite being a sub for all three of Manchester United's Premier League games so far.
Slovenia: Oblak, Karnicnik, Bijol, Janza, Stojanovic, Drkusic, Lovric, Elsnik, Gnezda Cerin, Sesko, Vipotnik.
Sweden: Johansson, Kraft, Hien, Gudmundsson, Eliasson, Sema, Bergvall, Ayari, Karlstrom, Elanga, Gyokeres.
Anything else catch the eye?
Slovenia have some decent players but they lost 4-1 at home to Norway in the Nations League and they're of a similar standard to the Swedes. That makes me think Tomasson's team will edge this one but it should be a close one and the half-time draw looks a good option at 20/21 with BoyleSports
We haven't seen a lot of goals in previous meetings with under 2.5 goals coming up in all four clashes and BTTS landing just once. Under 2.5 strikes isn't great value here at 4/6 but betting against BTTS is a bit better at 10/11. Combining those bets pays 6/5 in a bet builder at BoyleSports.
Sweden won 5-2 on the corner count when they last visited Slovenia then 12-3 in the reverse fixture back in Stockholm. Those stats suggest backing Sweden in the corner handicap could pay off once that market is priced up.
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