Sweden vs Russia
Group B2 of the UEFA Nations League comes to a climax at the Friends Arena in Solina on Tuesday night as Sweden hosts group leaders Russia.
Janne Anderson’s Sweden has a huge task to progress, needing to beat Russia and overturn a three goal difference, and they are not exactly known for their expansive style of play! Russia, on the other hand, has been scoring rather more freely, but lost their last game by a three goal margin in a friendly with Germany.
So the hosts know their challenge is possible. Sweden put in a typically solid performance to deny Russia a win in their earlier clash which guaranteed this game still has plenty at stake. The B2 UEFA Nations League 2018 results mean that the result will confirm which side it to move up to the elite league while Turkey is already relegated
Talking points
Sweden’s defensive rock
The phrase, ‘the best form of defence is attack’ has oft been used but I’ve never heard it the other way around, ‘the best form of attack is defence.’ But there may just be a case for that in Sweden. Andreas Granqvist put in a man-of-the-match performance at the heart of Sweden’s defence in the 0-0 draw in the return match in Russia.
And Granqvist was the man who scored in the crucial victory over Turkey to preserve their status in League B, and keep alive their chances of promotion. He’s a born leader, the type of player who will run through a wall for his country which makes him just as imposing in attack when he comes up for corners and free-kicks, as well as taking the penalties.
His colossal performances at Russia 2018 impressed the world and garnered attention from Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, who was reportedly interested in teaming him up with international partner Victor Lindelof at Old Trafford.
Andersson likes to play a 4-2-2 formation with quick breaks and long balls forward, designed to win set piece situations where Granqvist is a threat. He’ll give his all on Tuesday, of that there is no doubt.
Up front Viktor Claesson could be a key player. He’s impressed in the Russian Premier League, scoring eight goals and making five assists so far.
Is the Russian bubble about to burst?
You wouldn’t necessarily think so to look at the UEFA Nations League 2018 betting odds for Group B2, because Russia has put itself in a superb position to secure promotion.
It may seem mean spirited to suggest that Russia is about to return to the rather turgid style of play it exhibited less than a year ago. For sure, Stanislav Cherchesov’s team has been riding high since the beginning of the World Cup, but they were brought crashing back down to earth by a 3-0 walloping in Leipzig last week, as Germany finally found some form. They were blown apart in the first half and never really recovered, missing attacking players such as Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba.
So Fedor Chalov could make his first start for the national side. The 20 year old CSKA Moscow striker is a good finisher and has acceleration and agility in abundance. Chalov is the RPL leading scorer with ten goals from 19 games and his inclusion would give Granqvist and co plenty to think about.
But a draw or good defensive display will be enough to elevate Russia to League A.
History
Despite both reaching the World Cup quarter-finals, Sweden and Russia are not in the higher reaches of the FIFA Rankings, the Swedes at 17 and Russia way down the list at 41, behind Montenegro and Scotland!
Russia has a good chance to climb the table and head to head results are in the visitors’ favour. In the five matches played since 1994 Sweden has won just once and Russia twice. The games are invariably tight and I can see this one being a close fought affair, which will suit Cherchesov just fine.
Betting tip
 |
 |
Sweden vs Russia | Under 2.25 @1.85 |
| November 21, 03:45 (GMT+8) |
I have a sneaking suspicion that this could end up in stalemate, just as the return fixture did. The SBOBET odds place a draw at 3.20 and Russia at 3.80 with Sweden at 1.97 but, despite being marginally odds on, the hosts haven’t won on home soil in the last five attempts.
So I think a bet on the number of goals may be more fruitful. The last four games between these two teams have yielded fewer than three goals and unless Claessen or Chalov can wreak havoc that looks likely again.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
|
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
