Prediction: Romania vs Sweden

Prediction: Sweden win

Best Odds: 31/20

Bookmaker: bet365

The European Championship qualifiers are back in our lives as we approach the final set of fixtures before the playoffs. It’s going to be an intriguing few weeks away from domestic football, which makes a change from international fixtures that don’t tend to mean all too much. There’s a lot on the line for most nations involved in the festivities, with two such examples being Romania and Sweden who both have high hopes of making their way to UEFA Euro 2020 next year.

Romania

The Romanians always seem to be a nation that possesses a lot of individual talent, but is never able to take things to the next level. If they’re able to build a core youth system from the ground up then there’s some serious potential for them, but whether or not that’s realistic is another matter. They need to take things one step at a time and as we look ahead to this game, there’s a very good chance they could make it to Euro 2020 which could really give them a boost of momentum.

Team News

Andone has withdrawn from the squad as a result of an injury with Romania only expected to play one striker as a result. Chiriches, on the other hand, is tipped to replace Rus at the back.

Sweden

From the quarter-finals of the World Cup to now, Sweden have been making headlines for some time on the big stage. The Euros offer up another great chance for them to take on the role of underdogs, which we’ve become so used to seeing from them over the years. Their strong defensive core is starting to balance out well with a nice set of attacking stars, and while they aren’t quite mixing it up with the elite just yet, it seems like only a matter of time.

Team News

With a fully fit squad to choose from Sweden are expected to play a really strong side in this one. Kulusevski has been in good form but not quite good enough to start, with Berg, Isak and Quaison battling it out for a place in the starting XI.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting, Sweden beat Romania 2-1.
• Romania have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Sweden have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Romania have scored 12 goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• Sweden have scored 13 goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

Romania are going to be throwing everything against the wall in the hope that something will stick, and while they should have some success against the Swedes, we don’t quite think it’ll be enough to get them a positive result. It’s already starting to feel like Sweden are starting to really build up some momentum for themselves again, and while they probably won’t run away with the win here, they’ll definitely be able to pounce on how many men Romania will inevitably commit forward.

Prediction: Sweden win

Best Odds: 31/20

Bookmaker: bet365