Sweden v Slovakia betting tips: Swedes must be more positive

Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar struck a superb winner after 69 minutes soon after Poland midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak had been sent off for a second bookable offence.

Prior to that dismissal, Poland had been in the ascendancy after Karol Linetty cancelled out a first-half Slovakia strike that was credited as a Wojciech Szczesny own goal.

Avoiding defeat here would put Slovakia well on course to qualify and they are evens to pick up at least a point.

Sweden v Slovakia head-to-head

Recent history suggests this could be a cagey contest with three of their previous five meetings – including the last two – being drawn.

The last encounter was a friendly in October 2018 when John Guidetti gave Sweden the lead early in the second half but Albert Rusnak’s late equaliser ensured a 1-1 draw in Solna.

That was the first match in charge for Slovakia coach Stefan Tarkovic, who was caretaker manager at the time, while the goal was the only one that Slovakia have managed in the five meetings.

Previous XI

Slovakia: Dubravka, Pekarik, Satka, Skriniar, Hubocan, Duda, Hamsik, Haraslin, Kucka, Mak, Hromada.

Team news

Slovakia defender Denis Vavro is unavailable after testing positive for Covid-19. The 25-year-old, who is asymptomatic, is now self-isolating. A member of the coaching staff also tested positive.

Key battles

Slovakia’s defence has already kept Robert Lewandowski quiet so will be confident of doing the same against a Sweden team which showed little attacking intent against Spain.

Skriniar was already one of Slovakia’s best performers in defence before popping up at the other end to score the winning goal.

Sweden only managed 174 passes to Spain’s 954 but Isak looked a threat and is 7/2 to open the scoring while 21/10 is on offer for the Real Sociedad man to have at least two shots on target in a Sweden win.