Prediction: Sweden vs Czech Republic

Verdict: Total goals under 2.5

Best odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Unibet

Sweden are set to play host to the Czech Republic in the semifinals of the World Cup qualification play-offs at the Friends Arena in Stockholm on Thursday evening. The winner will face Poland, who have been granted automatic progression due to Russia being disqualified for the events currently unfolding in Ukraine, for a place at the tournament in Qatar.

Sweden

It certainly wasn’t easy for Sweden to get through Group B of the European qualifiers, where they finished second to Spain, with Greece, Georgia and Kosovo left below. They could have, however, done even better; their fate was in their own hands with two matches left to play, but then a shocking 2-0 defeat away to Georgia hit them and Spain took full advantage to cement the top spot.

Given that Janne Anderson’s team haven’t played a game since November, talking about current form isn’t perhaps too meaningful, but for what it’s worth, Sweden’s last-six run consists of a 2-1 home win over Spain, a 2-1 defeat away to Greece, a 3-0 thrashing of Kosovo at home, a 2-0 triumph at home over Greece, the 2-0 loss away to Georgia and the match that represented the final nail in the coffin of their hopes to automatic qualification, a 1-0 loss away to Spain. The only goal in that match was the work of Alvaro Morata, five minutes before the 90 were up.

Team News

Defender Emil Krafth and AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic are both suspended for this clash. Krafth’s place on the right-hand side of defence could be taken by Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof, in which case Dalian Professional centre-back Marcus Danielson could come into the heart of the back line. 

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic competed in Group E of the European qualifiers and they finished in third place, behind Belgium and Wales, while Estonia and Belarus remained far behind. This team made a very good impression at the Euros last year, reaching the quarterfinals after they disposed of Netherlands in the round of 16.

Jaroslav Silhavy’s men are on a reasonably good run at the moment, even though, as with Sweden, recent form shouldn’t be taken too seriously right now. They lost 3-0 away to Belgium back in early September, but they avoided defeat in the five matches they played since; a 1-1 draw at home against Ukraine, a 2-2 draw at home against Wales, a 0-2 triumph in Belarus, a friendly 7-0 thrashing of Kuwait, and a 2-0 home win over Estonia.

Team News

The hopes of the Czech will have been boosted by the superb form of West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek, who has made so far 40 appearances this season for the Hammers as they battle through the Premier League and the Europa League.

However, the absence of Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick due to a calf injury is a big blow. His place in the team could be filled by Sparta Prague’s Adam Hlozek. Soucek’s teammate Vladimir Coufal hasn’t played for a while due to a groin issue, and Aris Thessaloniki’s Jakub Brabec could be given advantage on the right defensive flank.

Conclusion

Given the importance of the match, both teams are likely to play through it exercising caution. Neither side will attack too rashly, and there shouldn’t be too many chances or goals at either end, unless something unexpected happens early on. Sweden are the slight favourites, but the Czech are certainly not without a chance.

Verdict: Total goals under 2.5

Best odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Unibet