Preview: Slovenia vs Sweden – prediction, team news, team lineups
Sports Mole previews Thursday’s Nations League match between Slovenia and Sweden, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Sweden go into their first UEFA Nations League luminaire with Slovenia wants to bounce back from the disappointment of missing a place in the World Cup.
The same applies to Slovenia, even though the home team missed a place in the playoffs and has not played competitive since November.
Match preview
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On the way into November, Sweden was well on its way to automatically qualifying for the World Cup before Spain, something that would have represented one of their greatest achievements in several years.
Since then, however, it has been nothing but disappointment. Losses against Georgia and Spain sent Sweden to the playoffs, where they then lost to Poland in the last playoff competition.
Janne Andersson remains responsible for the team, understandably after 12 wins from his last 18 games, but the long-time manager must find a way to breathe new life into his football.
Still, a group that also involves Norway and Serbia means that Sweden must be at its best to remain competitive, and a crowd of players with some fresh faces may be just what they need.
Sweden enters this match after failing to score in normal time during their last four matches, the only strike during that period comes in extra time against the Czech Republic.
From Slovenia’s perspective, they are largely the group’s minnows, however Matjaz Kek may not mind his team looking to take the next step on the international stage.
Slovenia have always managed to produce the odd impressive result in isolation, as they did by beating Croatia last year, but they have all too often faltered in matches where they were meant to win.
A series of matches against their future rivals may be just what they need, with a home victory over Sweden that gives them the springboard to act as a surprising challenger for promotion to Division A.
They are currently on a four-match unbeaten streak, although the result includes draws against Slovakia and Qatar.
Slovenia form (all competitions):
Sweden form (all competitions):
Team news
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Kek can be prepared to mention the same starting lineup that made a 1-1 draw against Croatia in a friendly match in March.
It would see Middlesbrough ahead Andraz Sporar retain their place in the middle of the attack, and the inexperience trio of David Brekalo, Zan Karnicik and Gregor Sikosek stay in the team further back.
With Victor Lindelöf out injured and Marcus Danielson after retiring from international football, Sweden will make changes in the middle of the defense.
Carl Starfelt and Joakim Nilsson can get the nod in place, and further changes can be made with Matthias Svanberg an option in midfield.
Manchester United ung Anthony Elanga will likely remain among the replacements.
Slovenia’s possible starting line-up:
Oblak; Brekalo, Bijol, Blazic; Karnicik, Cerin, Kurtic, Sikosek; Zajc, Lovric; Spores
Sweden’s possible starting line-up:
Olsen; Krafth, Starfelt, Nilsson, Augustinsson; Forsberg, Karlström, Olsson, Kulusevski; Quaison, Isaac
We say: Slovenia 1-2 Sweden
This has all the prerequisites to be a competitive match, especially due to the fact that Slovenia has a home advantage. However, Sweden needs to kickstart its next cycle with victory in a tough group, which leads to us tipping a narrow win for the guests.
For data analysis of the most likely results, result lines and more for this match, click here.
Top tips
Our expert tips partners at Sporita.com bet over 1.5 goals in this match. click here to find out what more they predict for this game and for more of their proven football tips.Over 1.5: data