Thursday 09/10/2014, 21:45, Euro 2016 Qualification, Sweden vs Russia

Sweden vs Russia Preview

Sweden had to settle for a single point in the opening game played against Austria, and they now need to do better against the main favorites. Russia is credited with the first chance of winning the group and so far they are on the right track, after scoring four goals in the first round. Granted their opponents were mediocre and didn't pose any threat offensively, the Eastern European steamrolled past Liechtenstein and is going to play offensive football once again.

Sweden vs Russia Odds

At Totepool

Sweden 2.70, Draw 3.20, Russia 2.90

Sweden vs Russia Tips

Sweden struggled on the road, after allowing a goal in the first minutes of the game as a result of a penalty shot converted by Alaba. From that point onward, it was an uphill battle for the Scandinavian team, with Ibrahimovic playing at less than 100%. This was obvious as the offensive struggled and the visitors were lucky to tie the score in the second half.

Those who are concerned about the prospect of the most prolific striker not playing tonight will rejoice knowing that Ibrahimovic has returned to fitness. He declined to play in the last three games for PSG and waited on the bench, mending his injury and this strategy finally paid off.

The hosts are expected to use a conservative 4-5-1 starting formation with Zlatan upfront and all the balls will be looking for him. It comes as no surprise that the Russians will commit two players to guard him at all times, in an attempt of annihilating the biggest threat.

The visitors are not to be underestimated offensively, because they have two remarkable forwards and both Kokorin and Kerzhakov are in excellent form. They didn't get to play together too much at the World Cup 2014 and that's why Russia had a hard time scoring goals against tight defenses.

Key Facts

• Sweden has the upper hand in head-to-head games, winning three out of six and only losing ones.
• A draw on the road would be regarded as a failure by the Russians, who consolidate their position at the top of Group G

Sweden vs Russia Prediction

Home pitch advantage has always been very important for Sweden, who won the most recent two games against Russia and the only draw happened exactly 100 years ago. Under normal circumstances, the right thing to do would be to back the hosts at full stakes, but Ibrahimovic's fitness concerns might have a deterring effect on punters. This is why they are recommended to take the Sweden Draw no Bet wager at odds of 1.90 with Totepool and have the stakes returned if the game ends in a draw.

Bet: Sweden Draw no Bet @ 1.90 with Totepool