Sweden is determined to boost their chances of qualifying for Euro 2024 as they face Estonia this weekend in a crucial match.
Sitting third in Group F with two defeats in three games, the Swedes are only two points ahead of their Estonian rivals.
This match is part of a double-header that also includes a crucial clash with Austria.
Match Preview
Despite a convincing 5-0 win against Azerbaijan in March, Sweden’s journey to the European Championship has been far from smooth.
They suffered a humiliating home defeat to Belgium at the start of the Euro qualifiers and then faced a 2-0 loss to Group F leaders Austria in June.
Janne Andersson’s side is now under immense pressure as they aim to close the four-point gap with the leaders, with only the top two finishers securing a ticket to Germany.
Missing out on Europe’s top international tournament for the first time since Euro 1996 is a real possibility, as their second chance through the playoffs was thwarted by a dismal performance in the UEFA Nations League.
Sweden’s fortunes have seen a sharp decline since their 2018 World Cup quarter-final appearance, resulting in relegation to the third tier after picking up just four points from six games in their League B campaign.
A rescue act is now necessary to get them back on track, and a maximum points haul from Estonia is crucial ahead of their pivotal match with Austria in Stockholm next week.
Estonia, on the other hand, has struggled to secure points in Group F, earning only one point from their first two matches.
Their last outing against Belgium ended in a 3-0 defeat, leaving them second-bottom in the group, ahead of Azerbaijan based on goal difference.
While Estonia showed promise in their first match against Austria, leading until the 62nd minute before conceding two late goals, they face a formidable Swedish side this time.
Estonia has lost only three of their last 12 matches across all competitions, but most of their wins came against weaker opponents.
Estonia Euro Champ Qualifying Form:
- L
- D
- L
Estonia Form (All Competitions):
- D
- W
- L
- L
- D
- L
Sweden Euro Champ Qualifying Form:
- L
- W
- L
Sweden Form (All Competitions):
- W
- W
- L
- W
- W
- L
Team News
While star players like Emil Forsberg, Dejan Kulusevski, and Alexander Isak are fit and ready to play, Sweden’s hopes have been dampened by injuries to Ludwig Augustinsson, Kristoffer Olsson, and Burnley’s Hjalmar Ekdal.
In Augustinsson’s absence, Malmo’s Martin Olsson has been called up to fill the left-back position. Coach Janne Andersson has reverted to a 4-4-2 formation, with Isak and Kulusevski possibly leading the attack.
Estonia’s captain, Konstantin Vassiljev, is set to make his 152nd appearance but may start as a substitute. Rauno Sappinen’s injury will leave Erik Sorga or Henri Anier to lead Estonia’s attack.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Estonia:
- Hein
- Kuusk
- Tamm
- Mets
- Tunjov
- Poom
- Kait
- Miller
- Kallaste
- Ojamaa
- Anier
Sweden:
- Olsen
- Holm
- Lindelof
- Hien
- Olsson
- Kulusevski
- Cajuste
- Svanberg
- Forsberg
- Isak
- Gyokeres
Prediction: Estonia 0-3 Sweden
Sweden has a strong history against Estonia and should secure a comfortable victory in Tallinn. While doubts linger over their tactics and selections, their firepower should be enough to overcome the hosts.