After suffering their first defeat in Group B of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Sweden host Kosovo at Friends Arena. The Swedes are a force to be reckoned with at home and should make light work of Kosovo.
Sweden are coming off their first defeat in the qualifiers as they were beaten 2-1 in Greece last time out. They attempted a late fight back after going two goals down but failed to add to Robin Quaison's effort 10 minutes from time.
Despite the defeat, Sweden still have automatic qualification in their own hands and sit four points off group leaders Spain with two matches in hand. They won their previous three matches in the qualifiers, a run that includes a 2-1 victory over the Spaniards.
Sweden often do their best work at home and have won their last seven matches across all competitions at Friends Arena. Manager Janne Andersson favours an attacking style of play but appears to have struck the right balance at the other end of the pitch with the Swedes keeping three clean sheets in that run.
Kosovo travel to Sweden off the back of a 2-0 home defeat to Spain in their previous qualifying fixture. They were second best to the Spanish throughout the encounter and failed to take advantage of the few chances created.
The visitors are second from bottom in Group B having claimed just one win from their five matches. They still hold a slim chance of at least making the playoffs but must beat Sweden to keep that hope alive.
Like his Swedish counterpart, manager Bernard Challandes also prefers an open style of play. However, unlike the Swedes, Kosovo are often left exposed at the back and have conceded nine goals in five qualifying matches.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have Sweden as overwhelming favourites at 7/18 with Vbet while an unlikely victory for Kosovo is valued at 19/2 by SBK. Unibet is offering odds of 17/4 for a draw.
Head to head
Sweden have won the two previous matches against Kosovo, claiming a 1-0 victory in a friendly in 2020 before running out 3-0 winners in the reverse fixture back in March.
Players to watch
Sweden have been prolific in attack throughout the qualifiers with Alexander Isak and Robin Quaison among the goals. Isak is priced at evens to score anytime by Unibet while Paddy Power is offering odds of 13/8 on Quaison in the same market.
The Swedes have also been solid at the back with Victor Lindelof set to feature at the heart of the defence. They kept a clean sheet in the reverse fixture against Kosovo and could be set for a repeat at 10/11 with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Sweden earned a win to nil in their two matches against Kosovo and a similar outcome is priced at 6/5 with bet365. Having scored three goals in that match, the Swedes could also be tipped in the -2 handicap market at 11/4 with Sporting Index.
Sweden’s solid defence means they could also be tipped as the only team to score at 11/10 with bet365.
This World Cup match between Sweden and Kosovo will be played on Oct 9, 2021 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sweden vs Kosovo prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
