Match Overview
Sweden will aim to maintain their unbeaten start in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League as they visit Tallinn for a clash against Estonia on Monday. The hosts, coming off a solid win against Azerbaijan, are eager to build on their recent success.
Match Preview
Estonia, under the guidance of coach Jurgen Henn, have recently made strides in their League C campaign after a stellar performance in the previous Nations League season, where they secured promotion by winning all four matches in a group that included Malta and San Marino. However, the transition to a higher league has presented challenges. They suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Slovakia in their opening match and were defeated 3-0 by Sweden in their second match.
Estonia finally secured their first points in the current campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Azerbaijan, featuring goals from Ioan Yakovlev, Vlasiy Sinyavskiy, and Rocco Robert Shein. This victory propelled them to third place in Group C1. Estonia will look to leverage their home advantage, especially given their strong record at home, where they have lost only one of their last seven Nations League matches. However, they will face a tough challenge as they aim to end a streak of five consecutive defeats against Sweden.
Sweden, managed by Jon Dahl Tomasson, are competing in League C for the first time after suffering two consecutive relegations. Following a challenging past couple of seasons, they have started their current campaign positively, with two wins and one draw from their first three matches. They opened with a 3-1 away win over Azerbaijan and followed that with a commanding 3-0 victory over Estonia, featuring two goals from Viktor Gyokeres and another from Alexander Isak.
In their most recent match against Slovakia, Sweden relinquished a two-goal lead, drawing 2-2 after Yasin Ayari and Ken Sema had given them the advantage. Despite this setback, Sweden sits atop Group C1 due to a superior goal difference and will be aiming to extend their lead with another victory over Estonia.
Recent Form
– Estonia: 3-0 win against Azerbaijan; 0-3 loss to Sweden; 0-1 loss to Slovakia.
– Sweden: 3-0 win against Estonia; 3-1 win against Azerbaijan; 2-2 draw against Slovakia.
Team News
Estonia’s defensive depth may be tested, as defender Maksim Paskotsi is doubtful due to injury sustained in the match against Azerbaijan. Rasmus Peetson, who replaced him, is a candidate for a starting position, along with Martin Vetkal. Rocco Robert Shein is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, which may lead to further changes in the lineup.
For Sweden, the absence of key players such as Robin Olsen, Carl Starfelt, Eric Smith, and Gustaf Nilsson due to withdrawals has impacted their squad depth. Additionally, Jens Cajuste, Mattias Svanberg, and Alexander Isak are sidelined due to injuries. Coach Tomasson may look to include Victor Lindelof and Hugo Larsson in the starting lineup after they came off the bench in the last match.
Possible Lineups
Estonia:
– Formation: 4-2-3-1
– Starting XI: Hein; Peetson, Tamm, Mets, Schjonning-Larsen; Ainsalu, Shein; Yakovlev, Kait, Sinyavskiy; Anier
Sweden:
– Formation: 3-4-3
– Starting XI: Johansson; Lindelof, Hien, Gudmundsson; Eliasson, Larsson, Karlstrom, Saletros, Sema; Gyokeres, Kulusevski
Given their current form and historical dominance in this matchup, Sweden is favored to secure three points on Monday. With a strong track record against Estonia, including a recent 5-0 victory in their last away encounter, the Blagult are well-positioned to continue their winning streak.
