Preview: Slovakia vs Sweden – prediction, team news, lineups

Draw in League C Group 1, Slovakia And Sweden will continue their struggle for automatic promotion in UEFA Nations League Friday night, when they lock horns in Bratislava.

With both teams winning their first two matches last month, a straight fight to finish first could take place between now and November.

Competition preview

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When the new Nations League campaign kicked off in early September, Slovakia returned to action for the first time since their dramatic exit from Euro 2024, where they lost to eventual finalists England in the last 16.

On their way to the knockout stage, the Falcons beat Belgium and drew with Romania, so they took some positive momentum into last month's games against still tame opposition.

Their quest for promotion to League B began with a hard-fought win over Estonia in Tallinn, with Hellas Verona ahead. Thomas Suslov Scored the only goal of the game in the second half.

It was followed by another Verona 2-0 win over Azerbaijan in Kosice. Ontrej TudaConverted a penalty earlier David is Sagittarius Finished the points effectively with Slovakia's second.

Having failed to mount a serious challenge for a place in Europe's second tier for the 2022-23 season, Francesco CalzonaWin's side is therefore on track for at least one playoff run this year Group phase ends

However, if they are to topple Sweden, they will need to end their drought against Friday's opponents: Slovakia are winless in six previous meetings – most recently losing in the Euro 2020 final.

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Sitting with the next hosts at six points, John Dahl ThomasonWin's side went through their first two Nations League opponents without conceding a goal.

After losing three of four friendlies at the start of his reign, new Blagult boss Tomasson eased the pressure by recording back-to-back competitive victories in September, including a comprehensive 3-1 victory in Azerbaijan three days later. .

The Sporting Lisbon goal machine also found the net in Baku Victor Giocheres He scored twice in Solna as a strike partner Alexander Isaac He also scored his third goal of the campaign as the Swedes strolled to victory in some style.

Following their relegation from League B in 2023, Sweden are already favorites for an immediate return, while winning Group 1 could lead to a backdoor place in the World Cup playoffs if necessary.

Taking maximum points this month could put them in pole position for top spot, but they have lost three of their last four away matches ahead of the tough task at the Stadion Delhane.

Slovakia Nations League Format:

Slovakia Form (All Matches):

Sweden Nations League Format:

Sweden Format (All Matches):

Group messages

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Slovakia will be without a number of key players due to injury in both Nations League matches this month, causing a headache for coach Francesco Calzona.

First choice goalkeeper Martin Dubravka No, so Marek Rodak Friday evening should be represented between the posts, while the Euro star Ivan Schranz And senior midfielder Juraj Guka They are also injured.

Also, Verona pair Ontrej Duda and Tomas Suslov have struggled for fitness of late – although both remain in the squad – so Calzona could be set for a forced switch.

Meanwhile, Sweden will be without one of their brightest stars, Dubravka's Newcastle United team-mate Aleksandar Isak, meaning Viktor Gyorges will be the visitors' only special focus. Tottenham Hotspur winger Tejan Kulzewski Designed to attach to the Sporting Seat.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen While Zelda Vigo centre-back, missed last month, not again Karl Starfeldt And Club Brook forward Gustaf Nilsson And withdrawn.

A midfield duo Gen's Gazette And Matthias Swanberg Under 21 players are also not available Hugo Bolin And Daniel Swenson – the latter is said to be of interest to Liverpool – and it has been called a cover. Under the circumstances, Tottenham are young Lucas Bergwall Can even be given as a starter.

Slovakia Probable Starting Lineup:
Rodak; Pekaric, Obert, Skriniar, Hanko; Benz, Lobotka, Duda; Touris, Strelek, Haraslin

Sweden Probable Starting Lineup:
Johnson; Croft, Douglas, Hien, Gudmundsson; Carlstrom, Bergwall; Guluszewski, Nanasi, Elanga; Geogeres

We say: Slovakia 1-2 Sweden

Clearly the top two teams in their League C group, these teams could play a close match – both badly hampered by injuries.

Sweden are still searching for an identity under new management, but they have enough attacking talent to beat Slovakia and leave the pack with maximum points.

Please click here for data analysis of most probable results, scores and more for this match.

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