Prediction: Sweden vs Austria

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Facing what is a must-win showdown on Tuesday night, Sweden will welcome Austria to the Friends Arena in Solna.

Sweden

Starting with the hosts, managing to make what was a crucial return to winning ways over the weekend as they laded a routine 5-0 romp away at Estonia, Sweden will be more than aware that they face another must-win showdown here. While Janne Andersson’s men might have opened their European Championship qualifying adventure with their sights set on punching their return to the major tournament stage, the Yellows have largely struggled with their consistency. Opening Tuesday’s battle in Solna currently sat four points adrift of breaking into the top-two, Sweden will be excited to make a return to home soil in midweek. Last seen in front of their own supporters claiming a lively 4-1 victory against New Zealand in a friendly contest on June 16th, it should be highlighted that Andersson’s side have won five of their previous six showdowns in Solna across all competitions.

Team News

Both finding the net away against Estonia a few days ago, the duo of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and former Coventry striker Viktor Gyokeres will once again spearhead Sweden’s charge here.

Likewise, already opening his Premier League account with Tottenham, 23-year-old Dejan Kulusevski will earn a 32nd international cap on Tuesday night. Verona defender Isak Hein should once again partner Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof at the back.

Austria

As for the visitors, although Austria might have endured a real Nations League struggle last year, Ralf Rangnick’s squad certainly haven’t shown any signs of a hangover. Continuing to shine since opening their European Championship qualifying adventure, the one-time Manchester United boss should find the mood in his camp at a high. Holding a four-point buffer from dropping out of the top-two when they head over to Solna on Tuesday night, the Reds will be desperate to lay down a crucial marker here. Mustering 10 points from their four Group F showdowns this year, Austria should also be excited by their most recent meeting against the midweek hosts. Landing an eye-catching 2-0 victory when they welcomed Sweden to Vienna back on June 20th, there is no doubt that Rangnick will be calling on a repeat performance here. However, it is worth highlighting, Austria have managed to muster just a pair of wins from any of their previous seven away fixtures.

Team News

Making a shock return to Italian heavyweights Inter Milan this summer, one-time Stoke striker Marko Arnautovic will spearhead Austria’s charge on Tuesday night. Real Madrid superstar David Alaba will have a key role to play here and looks set to earn his 103rd international cap.

Really bursting onto the international scene, Freiburg’s Michael Gregoritsch should once again partner Arnautovic in attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse qualifying showdown back on June 20th, Austria picked up a 2-0 victory in Vienna.
• However, Tuesday’s guests have won just a pair of their previous seven away fixtures.
• Sweden have won five of their previous six home fixtures across all competitions.
• The Yellows have seen just their last four showdowns in Solna produce 16 strikes at both ends of the pitch.
• Four of Austria’s last five appearances across all formats have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Austria might have landed that eye-catching 2-0 win when they welcomed Sweden to Vienna back on June 20th, Tuesday’s guests should face a tough challenge here. Managing to muster just a pair of victories from any of their previous seven away fixtures across all competitions, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable showdown here. Watching the Yellows mark their return to qualifying action with a routine 5-0 romp away at Estonia over the weekend, chances could come thick and fast at the Friends Arena. It is worth highlighting, with Rangnick’s side seeing four of their last five outings finish with both teams getting on the scoresheet, we are expecting a similar outcome in midweek.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet