Prediction: Estonia vs Sweden

Verdict: Sweden win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Luckster

Facing what is a crucial qualifying showdown on Saturday evening, Sweden will make the trip to Tallinn when they meet Estonia.

Estonia

Starting with the hosts, while Estonia might have enjoyed an eye-catching Nations League flurry last year, the Blueshirts always knew that they were facing a major uphill struggle this time around. Last seen signing off June’s international break with what was a routine 3-0 drumming at home against European heavyweights Belgium, Thomas Haberil’s men find themselves tipped as a standout contender to lift the Group F wooden spoon this year. Mustering just a single point from any of their first three qualifying showdowns, the former Luzern boss will be more than aware that his squad faces another stern examination this weekend. Opening proceedings with a lively 2-1 loss at the hands of Austria back on March 27th, Haberil will also have a major headache over his side’s qualifying struggles on home soil. Including that 3-0 defeat against Belgium a few months ago, it should be noted that Saturday’s hosts have lost each of their last six straight qualifying appearances in Tallinn.

Team News

While skipper Konstantin Vassiljev might have turned 39 last month, the Fiora midfielder is set to earn his 152 cap on Saturday evening. However, playing his domestic football with Irish giants Shamrock Rovers, Markus Poom will start in Estonia’s midfield here.

However, in what is a major blow for the Group F strugglers, Haberil will be unable to call upon attacking talisman Rauno Sappinen due to a long-term knee injury.

Sweden

As for the visitors, while Sweden might have opened their qualifying adventure earlier in the year tipped as a standout contender to find a route out of Group F, the Yellows are seeking a much-needed boost here. Last seen putting in a toothless display as they signed off June’s international break with a 2-0 loss away at Austria, it is no secret that Janne Andersson’s men are trying to find some stability since opening 2023. Shockingly claiming just three points from their first trio of qualifying appearances, Saturday’s guests will be more than aware that they face a crucial Group F showdown this weekend. However, despite being handed a golden chance here, Sweden have shown some extended issues on foreign soil. Including a 4-1 drumming against Serbia last year while on Nations League duties, it should be highlighted that Andersson’s side have lost three of their previous four contests away from the Friends Arena.

Team News

Continuing to shine since making the move to Premier League high-flyers Newcastle last season, attacking talisman Alexander Isak will spearhead Sweden’s charge here. The former Real Sociedad star will likely be joined in attack by the duo of Emil Forsberg and Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski.

Although Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof might have made just a single Premier League start this season, the 29-year-old will start at the heart of Andersson’s defence on Saturday evening.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met for a friendly showdown back in March 2021, Sweden picked up a 1-0 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, Saturday’s guests are unbeaten in each of their eight meetings against their Group F rivals.
• Estonia have lost each of their last six straight qualifying showdowns on home soil.
• Sweden have lost three of their last four appearances on foreign soil across all competitions.
• Each of the last six straight meetings between Saturday’s opponents have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Signing off June’s international break with a worrying 2-0 loss at the hands of Austria, Sweden will know that they face a must-win showdown here. Securing just one victory from any of their opening three Group F showdowns, Saturday’s guests will certainly have real pressure on their shoulders here. However, despite showing some extended issues on foreign soil since opening 2023, the Yellows will be boosted by an eye-catching record against their Group F rivals. Landing a 1-0 victory when they welcomed Estonia to Solna for a friendly showdown back in March 2021, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Sweden win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: Luckster