Tied atop League C Group 1, Slovakia and Sweden will continue their battle for automatic promotion in the UEFA Nations League on Friday in Bratislava. Both teams won their first two matches last month, setting up a crucial fight for top spot as they aim to secure promotion to League B.
Match Preview
David Strelec of Slovakia, September 2024
Slovakia kicked off their Nations League campaign last month after a solid Euro 2024 run, where they reached the last 16 but were eliminated by finalists England. Despite the exit, they carried positive momentum into September, where they secured a narrow 1-0 win over Estonia, courtesy of a second-half goal from Hellas Verona’s Tomas Suslov.
Their second match saw them claim a 2-0 victory over Azerbaijan, with Ondrej Duda converting a penalty before David Strelec added a second to secure the points. Slovakia’s ambitions for promotion this season are clear, having missed out on challenging for a place in League B during the last campaign.
However, they have yet to win in six previous meetings with Sweden, most recently suffering a defeat in the group stage of Euro 2020.
Sweden head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson, September 2024
Sweden also made a perfect start to their Nations League campaign, winning both of their September fixtures without conceding a goal. After a challenging start under new head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson, where they lost three of their first four friendlies, Sweden rebounded in competitive action with a 3-1 win against Azerbaijan, followed by a 3-0 victory in Solna.
Viktor Gyokeres, the Sporting Lisbon striker, has been in prolific form, scoring three goals across the two games. Partnered by Alexander Isak, who also found the net, Sweden’s attacking strength has made them the favorites for an immediate return to League B after their relegation in 2023.
Taking maximum points this month would put Sweden in pole position to claim top spot in Group 1 and secure promotion, though their away form has been shaky, with three losses in their last four road games.
Team News
Slovakia’s Francesco Calzona, June 2024
Slovakia will be missing several key players due to injuries. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is unavailable, so Marek Rodak will likely step in. Key midfielder Juraj Kucka and Euros star Ivan Schranz are also sidelined. Additionally, Verona duo Ondrej Duda and Tomas Suslov are recovering from recent fitness issues but remain in the squad.
Sweden’s Jon Dahl Tomasson, September 2024
Sweden will be without their star striker Alexander Isak, meaning Viktor Gyokeres will lead the line as the only specialist center-forward. Dejan Kulusevski will support Gyokeres from the wing. Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen is absent, and defenders Carl Starfelt and Gustaf Nilsson have also withdrawn.
Sweden’s midfield is missing Jens Cajuste and Mattias Svanberg, leading to call-ups for promising Under-21 talents Hugo Bolin and Daniel Svensson. Tottenham teenager Lucas Bergvall could make his debut due to the shortages in midfield.
Possible Lineups
Slovakia: Rodak; Pekarik, Obert, Skriniar, Hancko; Benes, Lobotka, Duda; Duris, Strelec, Haraslin
Sweden: Johansson; Krafth, Douglas, Hien, Gudmundsson; Karlstrom, Bergvall; Kulusevski, Nanasi, Elanga; Gyokeres
Prediction
Both teams are facing significant injury issues, which could lead to a close contest. However, Sweden’s depth and attacking talent, particularly with Gyokeres and Kulusevski in form, should give them the edge. Slovakia will make it tough, but Sweden could emerge victorious and take control of the group.
Prediction: Slovakia 1-2 Sweden
