Sweden vs Northern Ireland Predictions

Sweden vs Northern Ireland predictions as the Swedes look to respond to a shock loss against Luxembourg. Northern Ireland aim to extend their unbeaten streak to six matches as they face Sweden in a Tuesday night international friendly at Solna’s Strawberry Arena. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Friendlies | Mar 25, 2025 at 6pm UK at Friends Arena

Sweden vs Northern Ireland Predictions

Can Northern Ireland Keep Their Composure Against a Wounded Sweden?

• Defensive Steel from Northern Ireland: Six of their last eight matches have produced under 2.5 goals, showcasing their commitment to compact, cautious football.
• Sweden’s Struggles in Attack: Despite featuring attacking talent like Isak and Elanga, Sweden managed just two shots on target in their recent loss to Luxembourg.
• Friendlies Don’t Favour Fireworks: With both sides using this match to tinker and test, it’s unlikely either team go all guns blazing—expect tactical adjustments over risk-taking.

Best Bet for Sweden vs Northern Ireland

Sweden and Northern Ireland are set to face off under the chilly skies of Solna on Tuesday night, in a friendly that could be anything but friendly by the final whistle. Despite the lack of points on offer, there’s still plenty at stake in terms of pride, preparation and proving a point. Both sides come into this match with very different moods in their camps. The Swedes, still smarting from a rather embarrassing defeat to Luxembourg, are desperate to shake off the cobwebs. Meanwhile, the Northern Irish seem to have rediscovered some of their grit and grind, turning in a spirited performance to earn a 1-1 draw against Switzerland just a few days ago.

It’s the sort of encounter that could turn scrappy quickly. Sweden are expected to rotate, but with players like Anthony Elanga and Alexander Isak likely to remain in the frontline, there will still be intent going forward. On the other hand, Northern Ireland under Michael O’Neill have developed a reputation for being no-nonsense and hard to break down, and they won’t be rolling over no matter how many yellow shirts are thrown at them.

Though the setting is low-key, the undercurrent of this match is very much about testing systems and fine-tuning setups ahead of World Cup qualifying. Don’t expect a carnival of goals—this one has all the markings of a cagey, tense affair.

Best Bet for Sweden v Northern Ireland: Under 2.5 Goals

Here at BettingTips4You.com, we don’t believe in throwing out a dozen picks and hoping one sticks. We focus on delivering one carefully considered selection per match—nothing scattergun, just sharp, data-backed thinking. And for this one, the standout tip is simple: Under 2.5 Goals.

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Let’s be honest: Sweden’s shocker against Luxembourg wasn’t just an off day—it was a red flag. Despite dominating possession, they barely managed to register any meaningful threats on goal. Only two shots tested the keeper, and even with Isak and Elanga on the pitch, they looked stale. Without Viktor Gyokeres or Dejan Kulusevski, there’s a serious creative vacuum. They may have depth, but it’s not the sort that screams goals. And in friendlies, when experimentation and caution often overtake urgency, you’re even less likely to get a high-octane spectacle.

Northern Ireland, meanwhile, have built their recent unbeaten run on defensive discipline. They held Switzerland to just a single goal and have previously shut out Bulgaria and Belarus twice. This is not a team that gives up territory or time easily, even when outgunned. With the likes of Paul Smyth and Isaac Price buzzing in attack but not exactly prolific, they’re more likely to frustrate than blow opponents away.

This fixture, then, feels like one where both sides cancel each other out. Sweden will probably want to keep things tight after their Luxembourg blunder, and Northern Ireland are already hardwired to make life difficult for opponents. Even with Lindelof returning to shore up Sweden’s backline, there’s little indication that they’ll be taking big risks in this one.

As BettingTips4You.com expert Graham Hartshorn sums it up:

“Sometimes friendlies give you fire, other times they offer fog. This one’s got all the ingredients for a tactical stalemate, not a thriller. Under 2.5 goals is the sensible shout.”

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Correct Score Prediction: Sweden 1-1 Northern Ireland

Sweden have the stronger side on paper, but right now they’re a bit shaken. Northern Ireland, with their current unbeaten momentum and solid defensive record, will fancy their chances of getting something. A draw feels likely, and 1-1 is a fair reflection of both teams’ strengths and weaknesses at the moment.

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