Norway vs Sweden
International Friendly Match
Date: Tuesday, 13th June 2017
Kick off at 18:45 UK/ 19:45 CET
Venue: Ullevaal Stadion.
Norway managed to pick up points for just the second time this World Cup qualifying campaign on Saturday as they came back from a goal behind to draw 1-1 with the Czech Republic, ending a run of two straight defeats but still leaving them some way short of challenging for a spot in Russia next summer.
They are currently second from bottom in their qualifying group, only ahead of minnows San Marino and already nine points adrift of the potential playoff spot that Northern Ireland cling on to.
Now Norway’s attentions turn towards a friendly clash against fellow Scandinavians Sweden, with this being the last time they’re in action until the September round of World Cup qualifiers. Ideally they would like to end their winless run and carry a bit of confidence into that home game against Azerbaijan, but they have lost six of their last eight matches and only managed to beat San Marino in this time.
Sweden, on the other hand, are in fantastic shape at the moment. Many predicted them to struggle without their talisman captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic following his international retirement, but on Friday they clinched a shock 2-1 win at home to France to make it four wins on the bounce for them. They have won seven of their ten matches since Ibrahimovic retired.
This shock result has put them at the top of their World Cup qualifying group, with them ahead of the superstar squad of France on goal difference and three points clear of the underperforming Netherlands in 3rd.
Away from home they haven’t been too shabby either, winning three of their four games since last summer. This includes a friendly win against Euro 2016 winners Portugal as well, so they’ve not just been playing minnows.
Most of Sweden’s success comes in the second half of games, and that’s where we can find some value. The visitors have scored after the break in each of their last four away games, and with Norway conceding in the second half in four of their last five at home backing Sweden to Score in 2nd Half at 4/5 looks a great bet. We’re going for that alongside a 2-1 correct score predictions at 9/1.
Norway vs Sweden: Head to head
Sweden have also been much more successful in the history of the head to head meetings since they lost only four out of 20 encounters with their Scandinavian rivals.
The previous meeting took place at Ullevaal Stadion two years ago when the teams played goalless.
Norway vs Sweden: Prediction
Norway conceded at least a goal in each of their last ten matches and knowing how dangerous Sweden have been up front this year, we have no other option but to stick to the visitors here.
We also do expect to see both teams on the scoreline since the hoist certainly received a decent confidence boost by holding Czech Republic to a 1-1 draw at the weekend.
