Sweden vs Serbia predictions for this friendly clash. Both aiming to bounce back from midweek friendly defeats, Sweden and Serbia clash at Friends Arena in Solna on Saturday. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
Friendlies: | Jun 8, 2024 at 5pm UK at Friends Arena
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Sweden vs Serbia Predictions
Sweden vs Serbia: A Tactical Showdown with Key Player Battles
Key Stats
– Sweden have won their last four home games, showcasing strong form on home turf.
– Alexander Isak has been in prolific form, scoring consistently for club and country.
– Both teams average nearly six corners per game, indicating a likely high number of set-pieces.
On Saturday, Sweden and Serbia will lock horns at the Friends Arena in Solna, both eager to rectify their recent friendly defeats. Sweden, under new manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, suffered a 2-1 loss to Denmark, while Serbia also succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Austria. This article delves into the tactical dynamics, key player duels, expected gameplay, and provides well-grounded predictions for the upcoming match.
Sweden’s Current Form and Tactical Setup
Sweden’s recent performances have been inconsistent. They have alternated between wins and losses in their last four friendlies in 2024, managing victories over Albania and Estonia but faltering against Portugal and Denmark. Despite these fluctuations, Sweden’s home form remains strong, with the Blue and Yellow on a four-game winning streak at home.
Tomasson’s team typically lines up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on solid defensive organisation and quick transitions. The likely starting lineup includes Olsen in goal, supported by a defensive quartet of Krafth, Hien, Lindelof, and Cajuste. In midfield, Olsson and Larsson will aim to provide stability, while Kulusevski, Forsberg, and Elanga are expected to support the lone striker Isak.
Serbia’s Recent Form and Tactical Approach
Serbia, despite possessing an array of attacking talents, have struggled for consistency. Their recent form includes just three wins in their last ten matches, and they enter this game on the back of a defeat to Austria. Manager Dragan Stojkovic’s side has not managed back-to-back wins in over a year, indicating a pattern of inconsistency.
Serbia typically employs a 3-4-1-2 formation, leveraging their attacking depth. The probable lineup features Rajkovic in goal, with a back three of Spajic, Milenkovic, and Gudelj. In midfield, Ilic and Milinkovic-Savic will be pivotal, supported by wing-backs Zivkovic and Pavlovic. Tadic, the playmaker, will operate behind the front two of Birmancevic and Mitrovic.
Key Player Duels and Field Dynamics
The midfield battle will be crucial, with Sweden’s Olsson and Larsson facing Serbia’s Ilic and Milinkovic-Savic. Sweden’s midfield duo will need to be resolute in their defensive duties while also initiating attacks, whereas Milinkovic-Savic’s physicality and creativity could tilt the balance in Serbia’s favour.
On the flanks, Sweden’s wing-backs Krafth and Cajuste will be up against Serbia’s Zivkovic and Pavlovic. The success of Sweden’s wide players in both defence and attack will be key to their overall performance. In attack, the duel between Sweden’s Isak and Serbia’s Mitrovic will be one to watch, as both strikers have the ability to change the course of the game.
Expected Gameplay and Strategic Analysis
Sweden is likely to adopt a disciplined approach, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities. Their strength lies in their structured defence and quick transitions, with Forsberg’s creativity and Isak’s finishing crucial to their attacking play. However, their defensive lapses, as seen against Denmark, can be exploited.
Serbia, on the other hand, will focus on maintaining possession and creating chances through their midfield maestros Milinkovic-Savic and Tadic. Their ability to press and win the ball high up the pitch could trouble Sweden, but their defence has shown vulnerabilities, particularly against fast counter-attacks.
Managerial Tactics and Criticism
Jon Dahl Tomasson, newly appointed as Sweden’s manager, has the task of stabilising a team that has shown inconsistency. His emphasis on defensive organisation is evident, but the team’s occasional lack of creativity in the final third is a concern. Tomasson’s challenge will be to find a balance between defence and attack.
Dragan Stojkovic, Serbia’s manager, has been criticised for his team’s inconsistency despite the abundance of attacking talent at his disposal. His tactical flexibility and ability to adapt to different opponents are commendable, but the team’s defensive organisation needs improvement. Stojkovic’s ability to instill discipline and consistency will be crucial for Serbia’s success.
Betting Predictions and Rationale
Best Bet: Sweden to Win
Sweden’s strong home form and Serbia’s recent inconsistency make the hosts favourites for this match. Sweden have won their last four home games, showcasing their ability to perform well on familiar turf. Given Serbia’s defensive vulnerabilities, Sweden’s disciplined approach and home advantage should see them edge out a victory.
Correct Score Prediction: Sweden 2-1 Serbia
Considering Sweden’s strong home form and Serbia’s attacking capabilities, a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Sweden seems likely. Sweden’s defensive discipline coupled with their attacking prowess should help them secure a narrow victory, while Serbia’s ability to score makes it probable that they will find the net.
Goalscorer Prediction: Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak, Sweden’s main attacking threat, has been in fine form, scoring regularly for both club and country. His ability to find space and his clinical finishing make him a strong candidate to score in this match. Given Serbia’s defensive weaknesses, Isak is likely to capitalise on any opportunities that come his way.
First Team to Score: Sweden
Sweden’s home advantage and their tendency to start matches strongly suggest they will open the scoring. Serbia’s recent defensive lapses, particularly in the early stages of matches, further bolster this prediction. Sweden’s disciplined approach should see them take the lead, setting the tone for the match.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Corners Over 10.5
Both teams have shown a propensity for attacking play and generating corners. Sweden average 5.9 corners per game, while Serbia average a similar number. Considering the attacking styles of both sides, this match is likely to see a high number of corners, exceeding the 10.5 mark.
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