Sweden only need a draw to make sure of a top-two finish from Euro 2020 Group E and we reckon they can grind out that result versus Poland in Saint Petersburg.
Janne Andersson’s well-drilled side are unbeaten in seven matches this year, conceding just one goal in those contests.
Punters can get 23/10 for a stalemate here and that is our first Sweden vs Poland prediction.
Sweden had to ride their luck at times during a 0-0 draw with Spain but Everton keeper Robin Olsen impressed in that game and a 1-0 win over Slovakia. Following an even first half on Friday night, the Scandinavians came on strong in the second period to claim a deserved success.
Alexander Isak became more influential up front and Ludwig Augustinsson had a powerful header saved before Emil Forsberg broke the deadlock from the penalty spot.
Andersson said: “I don’t think it was a good first half myself but I think we showed the way we want to play in the second half. We should have got another goal and not have been stressed out by the 1-0 lead. Our attack should have more rewards, it was fantastic at times. Our defence was really good. We are really well organised and the players are sacrificing themselves for each other.”
“We have played seven games this year and conceded only one goal. If people think we are difficult to play against, I’m happy with that. The situation looks good, we’ve put ourselves in a good position.”
Andersson is expected to adopt a safety-first approach to this game again, so 8/5 for no goals in the first half appeals from the Sweden vs Poland odds.
Poland bounced back from a surprise 2-1 loss to Slovakia, when having Grzegorz Krychowiak sent off, by drawing 1-1 with Spain.
Alvaro Morata put La Roja ahead on 25 minutes but Robert Lewandowski’s fine header gave the Eagles a deserved equaliser early in the second half.
Paulo Sousa’s side received a let-off when Gerard Moreno hit the woodwork with a penalty but are still in contention to progress.
Sousa said: “If we can play against one of the best teams in the world like we played today, and we can play like that every day, then we could be much more closer to winning more matches.”
Breaking down a resilient Sweden defence will be tough, though, even with Bayern Munich star Lewandowski up front. “We will not be favourites against Sweden, they have very good players and it will be very tough, but we will be prepared,” added the striker. “The game against Spain has definitely given us a lot.”
We can’t see this being anything other than a tight tussle, with chances few and far between at both ends.
