UEFA Nations League - Sweden VS Slovakia Prediciton
UEFA Nations League - Sweden VS Slovakia
Match Time:17-11-2024 03:45 Sunday (UTC+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
Netherlands
The Netherlands face defensive challenges ahead of their Nations League showdown with Hungary. Key defenders Micky van de Ven, Nathan Ake, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Ian Maatsen are all unavailable, limiting Ronald Koeman’s options at the back. However, Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber has returned to the squad after missing last month’s matches, providing some relief in defence.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong provided a scare over the weekend after coming off at half-time in Barcelona’s loss to Real Sociedad. But it was just a knock to the shin, not an aggravation of his previous ankle injury. He is expected to be available for Saturday’s game, potentially partnering with Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch in midfield. Unfortunately, RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons is ruled out due to recent ankle surgery.
In a 4-2-3-1 formation, Bart Verbruggen is likely to start in goal. The defensive line will feature Denzel Dumfries at right-back, Stefan de Vrij and Virgil van Dijk as the central defenders, and Jorrel Hato at left-back, making up a restructured back four due to the various absences.
In central midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch will likely form a double pivot, providing a blend of defensive coverage and playmaking ability. The attacking trio behind the lone striker will consist of Donyell Malen on the right wing, Tijjani Reijnders in the central role, and Cody Gakpo on the left wing, adding creativity and pace to the formation.
Wout Weghorst is expected to lead the line as the central striker, utilizing his physical presence to hold up play and connect with the midfield and wingers.
Hungary
Hungary will be without their most experienced defender, Attila Fiola, who misses this match due to suspension after accumulating too many bookings. Marton Dardai is expected to step into the back three to cover Fiola’s absence, joining a defensive line that will need to be resilient against the Netherlands.
Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai is set to make his 50th appearance for Hungary. Despite facing competition for starts at Liverpool, Szoboszlai remains a key figure for the national team and will occupy one of the two no. 10 roles. Roland Sallai, who has also scored 14 goals for Hungary, is expected to support the attack alongside Szoboszlai, with Barnabas Varga from Ferencvaros likely to lead the line as the central striker.
In a 3-4-2-1 formation, Dénes Dibusz is set to start as the goalkeeper. The back three will feature Marton Dardai on the left, Willi Orban as the central defender, and Endre Botka on the right, forming a solid defensive trio in Fiola’s absence.
In midfield, Bendeguz Bolla will take the right wing-back role, while Tamas Nikitscher and Andras Schafer will operate centrally, providing both defensive coverage and ball progression. Milos Kerkez will play as the left wing-back, offering width and additional support in both defence and attack.
In the two advanced midfield roles, Dominik Szoboszlai and Roland Sallai will provide creativity and offensive support, aiming to connect with and assist the central striker. Barnabas Varga is expected to lead the attack, using his goalscoring abilities to challenge the Dutch defence.
Sweden vs Slovakia Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
The two teams have crossed paths eight times in all competitions. The hosts have an unbeaten record in this fixture, recording four wins.
They last met in the reverse fixture in October and played out a 2-2 draw.
Five of the eight meetings between them have produced under 2.5 goals, with five clean sheets for the Blågult.
Both teams are unbeaten in their last five games in the Nations League, recording three wins.
Slovakia have won four of their last five away games in the Nations League, keeping three clean sheets.
Sweden have the second-best attacking record in the Nations League, scoring 11 goals. They have scored three goals apiece in three of the four games in the ongoing campaign.
Blågult have one win in their last four home games in the Nations League, failing to score in one game while keeping one clean sheet.
Sweden possible starting lineup:
Johansson; Lindelof, Hien, Gudmundsson; Eliasson, Karlstrom, Saletros, Sema; Kulusevski; Isak, Gyokeres
Slovakia possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Pekarik, Skriniar, Obert, Hancko; Duda, Lobotka, Benes; Suslov, Strelec, Schranz
Prediction: Sweden 3-2 Slovakia
Two attack-minded teams should share a few more goals this weekend, following their 2-2 draw in Slovakia last month, but Sweden are set to come out on top. The hosts will simply have too much firepower for their visitors to handle - even if the Swedish defence still looks suspect.
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