Verdict: Breel Embolo over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to extend on their sensational start to proceedings, Switzerland will travel to Solna on Friday night when they meet Sweden.
Sweden
Starting with the hosts, while Sweden might have opened their World Cup qualifying adventure last month in the midst of what was an extended flurry, Jon Dahl Tomasson’s camp have endured a stuttering start to proceedings. Last seen putting in a downbeat performance as they slumped to a 2-0 loss away at Kosovo, the Yellows have put just a single point on the board from their opening two Group B showdowns. However, despite gaining an unwanted reputation for their issues on foreign soil, the former Blackburn boss will be excited to make a return to Solna on Friday night. Desperate to put a maiden qualifying victory on the board, Tomasson’s side have won all of their previous five consecutive matchups at the Strawberry Arena by an aggregate score of 20-5.
Sweden Team News
Both completing respective blockbuster Premier League switches over the summer, both Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have been included in Tomasson’s squad. Likewise, completing a big-money move to Newcastle back in July, Anthony Elanga will also feature on Friday night.
Enjoying what has been a standout campaign with Championship outfit Stoke, Viktor Johansson should start between the sticks in Solna and earn a 10th international cap. Returning from a minor muscle issue last month, Atalanta defender Isak Hien will lead Sweden out this weekend.
Switzerland
As for the visitors, while Switzerland might have endured a public Nations League nightmare last year as they lost their League A status with a whimper, Murat Yakin’s men have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Getting their World Cup qualifying adventure underway with a thumping 4-0 victory against Kosovo on September 5th, the Rossocrociati are enjoying what has become quite the purple patch. Last seen cruising their way to a 3-0 win at home against Slovenia, the one-time Basel boss finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Already the only outfit in Group B who can boast a 100% start to proceedings, Switzerland have now won all of their previous five appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 18-3. Despite facing what should be a stern examination this weekend, Yakin’s side should be excited by a trip to Solna.
Switzerland Team News
Making an immediate impact after completing a shock switch to Premier League newcomers Sunderland over the summer, ex-Arsenal skipper Granit Xhaka will start in the middle of the park. Opening his World Cup qualifying account against Slovenia last month, new Nottingham Forest star Dan Ndoye will lead the line.
Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel will start between the sticks on Friday night and earn a 16th international cap. Arriving at Inter Milan on an initial season-long loan switch, Manuel Akanji will start at the heart of Yakin’s defence.
Sweden vs Switzerland Key Factors to Consider
- Sweden are unbeaten in all of their previous four meetings against Switzerland (two wins, two draws).
- The Swiss have won their opening two World Cup qualifying appearances by an aggregate score of 7-0.
- Likewise, Switzerland have won their previous five appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 18-3.
- Sweden have won their previous five straight showdowns at the Strawberry Arena by an aggregate score of 20-5.
- Rennes striker Breel Embolo has recorded six goals in his previous five international appearances.
Conclusion
Flying out of the traps since opening up their World Cup qualifying adventure last month, Switzerland will be looking to make a heavyweight statement here. Winning their opening two Group B appearances by an aggregate score of 7-0, Friday’s guests are in the midst of what has become quite the purple patch. Continuing to shine so far this calendar year, Yakin’s high-flying should be excited by a trip to Solna this weekend. Although Sweden might have gained a reputation for their extended success on home soil, the Yellows have failed to find any kind of defensive stability
Verdict: Breel Embolo over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster