Prediction: Portugal vs Sweden

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 23/20

Bookmaker: William Hill

Portugal all but secured a top 2 finish in the World Cup qualifying campaign thanks to a 3-0 win over Hungary, and they will now be hoping to extend their winning run in an international friendly against Sweden. Blagult, on the other hand, hammered Belarus and they, too, appear to be in very good form at the moment.

Portugal

We have to say that Portugal were somewhat fortunate to clinch the Euro 2016 title, but the Selecao definitely did well to get the most of the opportunity that presented itself. Head coach Fernando Santos obviously needs to get credit for changing team’s style of play as his side showed serious improvement since switching to 4-4-2. And while Valencia winger Nani partnered Cristiano Ronaldo up front in France, the Real Madrid superstar has been given a new partner in the aftermath of the Euro 2016 finals, and as Porto’s Andre Silva enjoyed a brilliant start to his international career. The youngster already has five goals and an assist in as five 2018 World Cup qualifiers, and he had a big role to play in helping Selecao hammer Hungary at the weekend, scoring and assisting in a 3-0 triumph. But, despite recording their fourth successive triumph, Portugal still trail group leaders Switzerland three points, meaning they will probably have to win all the remaining games if they want to secure an automatic qualifying berth. The Selecao will first negotiate a friendly game against Sweden, where they will attempt to produce another solid showing.

Team News

There have been no fresh injury worries for Fernando Santos, although he is expected to make some changes to the starting line-up.

Sweden

Having seen national team icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic retire from international football after the Euro 2016 failure, Sweden were faced with a tough task in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, especially given the presence of sides like France, Netherlands and Bulgaria in their qualifying group. Blagult, nonetheless, did fairly well in the opening exchanges, taking 10 points form 5 fixtures to climb to second in the overall standings. Chances are that Sweden will be vying Netherlands and Buglaria for the play-off berth, although leaders France are still within touching distance. The fact that Blagult scored just 6 goals in first 4 qualifiers is enough to suggest that Zlatan has proved difficult to replace, although RB Leipzig star Emil Forsberg then stepped up the plate to score a brace against Belarus while Isaac Thelin and Marcus Berg also got on the scoresheet. The match against in-form Portugal will serve as a good test ahead of decisive battles on the road to Russia, meaning we can trust Sweden to give their best at Estadio dos Barreiros.

Team News

Borussia M’gladbach full-back Oscar Wendt has decided to retire from the national team despite getting the call-up for the games against Belarus and Portugal, while John Guidetti was forced to withdraw after sustaining an injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• Portugal are unbeaten in last eight meetings with Sweden (W4 D4)
• Three of their last five meetings ended all squared
• Portugal won last four qualifiers, scoring 19 goals
• Cristiano Ronaldo and Andre Silva have scored 14 goals between them in 2018 WC qualifiers
• Sweden scored 10 goals in last two matches

Conclusion

Portugal are on top of their game at the moment and the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Andre Silva and Bernardo Silva should prove difficult to contain. Sweden have also showed improvement up front and even though they are expected to adopt a counter-attacking approach, we are backing Blagult to score as well.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 23/20

Bookmaker: William Hill