SWEDEN host Serbia in an international friendly on Saturday as both teams crank up preparations for Euro 2024. The Swedes often show their quality at home and should have the edge over Serbia, who have been poor travelers lately.
Sweden began their preparations for Euro 2020 on a disappointing note as they were beaten 2-1 at Denmark in a friendly on Wednesday. They looked to be headed for a draw following Alexander Isak’s effort but conceded the winner four minutes from time.
Despite that result, Sweden will still head into Saturday’s clash with confidence having done some good work at home lately. Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men have won six of their last seven matches in front of fans.
The task for Serbia ahead of the European Championship will be to restore their confidence and build up their momentum having struggled in recent times. Dragan Stojkovic’s men have picked up just one win from their last five matches.
Serbia head into Saturday’s clash off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Austria in a friendly on Tuesday with Strahinja Pavlovic getting their only goal. That result highlights a poor record on their travels as they have now lost four of their last five away matches.
How the bookies view it: Evenly matched rivals
There is little to separate both teams among the bookies with a win for Sweden priced at 8/5 by bet365, who is also offering 13/5 for a Serbia victory. A draw is set at odds of 5/2.
Head to head: Serbia on top
Serbia have a 3-1 advantage from four previous matches against Sweden. The last meeting between both sides was a UEFA Nations League clash in 2022 which ended 4-1 in favour of the Serbians.
Players to watch: Isak the danger
Alexander Isak is the biggest attacking treat for Sweden and will be the one to watch on Saturday. The striker was on target in Denmark and could be worth keeping an eye on to find the net once again at 2/1 with bet365.
Serbia will look to Aleksandar Mitrovic to provide the spark in attack with the striker coming off a fine campaign in the Saudi Pro League. He netted a hat-trick in the last meeting with Sweden and is priced at 2/1 by bet365 to get on the score sheet on Saturday.
Probable line-ups
Alexander Isak should retain his place in attack following his goal last time out while Emil Forsberg should come in at left-back having sat out the defeat in Denmark.
Alexandar Mitrovic should be handed a start on Saturday after coming off the bench in Austria. Winger Filip Kostic is also in line to feature after sitting out the previous fixture.
Sweden: Olsen, Krafth, Lindelof, Eskdalemuir, Augustinsson, Cajuste, Olsson, Kulisevski, Elanga, Forsberg, Isak
Serbia: Milenkovic-Savic, Spajic, Gudelj, Pavlovic, Milenkovic-Savic; Maksimovic, Kostic, Tadic, Zivkovic, Mitrovic
Anything else catch the eye?
Sweden and Serbia have plenty of attacking quality and could be set to serve up goals on Saturday. The last meeting produced over 3.5 goals, which is priced at 7/4 by bet365, who is also offering 4/5 for over 2.5 goals.
Both teams have a knack for making fast starts and could be backed to score in the first half at 10/3 with bet365.
This International Friendly match between Sweden and Serbia will be played on Jun 8, 2024 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sweden vs Serbia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
