Prediction: Sweden vs Spain

Prediction: Spain win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: bet365

While domestic football will be returning to our screens later on this weekend, that doesn’t mean we can’t still sit back and enjoy the wonders of the international game between now and then. There are important games happening all throughout the planet in the next few days, with one of the biggest being the upcoming showdown between Sweden and Spain. With three big points being up for grabs, this one really could decide the fate of both nations as we get closer and closer to UEFA Euro 2020.

Sweden

Following their run all the way through to the final eight of the FIFA World Cup last year, there has been a renewed sense of optimism regarding what Sweden can accomplish within this current squad. They’ve had a steady qualifying period so far and given where they find themselves in the table, they’ll have no reason to believe that they cannot end up securing qualification for next year’s big tournament. Either way, though, what they actually do when (and if) they get there is what matters the most.

Team News

Sweden are expected to name a strong starting XI with there being no major injury concerns or suspensions within the squad.

Spain

The Spanish are starting to put the necessary pieces in place to get back to the heights we once knew them for. They’re ruthless going forward and have a strong defensive structure, and now, it’s just a case of putting it together on the big stage when it really matters. They’ve been able to do so in the past, but their golden generation has been and gone. Now, the focus will be for them to try and gather even more momentum ahead of what is bound to be a tough European Championships next year.

Team News

Ramos is suspended following his yellow card against Norway, because of course he did. Carvajal is set to try and gain a spot in the starting XI at the expense of Navas.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in June, Spain beat Sweden 3-0.
• Sweden have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Spain have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Sweden have scored 15 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Spain have scored 16 goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

The Swedes are going to serve as a tough opponent from a defensive point of view but we just can’t picture that being enough against a team that possesses the kind of quality Spain does. It’s going to feel more like a game of chess than a game of football at times, but the purists amongst us won’t have any issues with that whatsoever. Spain should have enough to beat Sweden and, in the process, qualify for next year’s European Championships as they attempt to win a major tournament for the first time since 2012.

Prediction: Spain win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: bet365