Sweden vs Spain Predictions and Betting Tips
The Friends Arena hosts a pulsating clash in Group B of the European World Cup qualifiers as Sweden and Spain, once again, go head-to-head. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.
Both sides were pitted against each other in their first group game in the recently concluded European Championship. They played a 0-0 stalemate, however, the Swedes finished atop the group while La Roja was just behind them in 2nd place. With that draw, Spain is now unbeaten against these opponents in five games.
Battle for top spot in Group B
Sweden had a decent run in the European championship as they managed to top their group by encompassing a total of seven points from a possible nine. Although they were eventually eliminated by Ukraine in the round of 16, it was surely a memorable few weeks for the Swedish players most especially Emil Forsberg and Alex Isak- the former netting four of his team's five goals in the tournament while the latter being a thorn on the side of opposing defences. Jan Anderson and his troops had a decent start to their qualifiers campaign, having picked up two wins in their first two matches against Georgia and Sweden. Now, they look to upset group favourites Spain just like they did in the Euros and the same vein, take control at the summit of the group.
The Spaniards had a slow start to the European Championship but got better as the tournament went on. Failing to win their first two group games was quite unlike the Spain side we knew, however, scoring 10 goals in their next two games didn't come as a surprise taking into account the talent in Luis Enrique's side. Spain lost to eventual champions Italy in a highly-entertaining semifinal clash which boiled down to a penalty shootout- UEFA Men's best player Jorginho netting the winning penalty to book his side a place in the final. Moving on to the World Cup qualifiers, La Roja head into this game at the top of the standings with seven points from a possible nine. Would we see them stretch their lead this Thursday?
Sweden vs Spain possible starting XI:
Sweden possible starting XI:
Olsen; Lustig, Lindelof, Danielson, Augustinsson; S Larsson, Ekdal, Olsson, Forsberg; Isak, Berg
Spain possible starting XI:
Sanchez; Azpilicueta, Laporte, Garcia, Gaya; Busquets, Koke, Rodri; Torres, Morata, Moreno
Sweden vs Spain Prediction: 2-2
The two teams have played stalemates in their last two games, as such, a clear winner heading into this game isn't clear. Although the Spaniards probably have a stronger side, Sweden head into this game unbeaten in their last eight World Cup qualifiers games on home soil.
