After making a meal of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup before exiting in the last 32, Sweden will look to hit the ground running when they get their UEFA Nations League campaign started against Romania on Friday night.
Sweden only booked their spot at the World Cup after coming through the play-offs, having been given a lifeline thanks to their previous campaign.
Romania finished third in their qualifying group to advance to the play-offs via the UEFA Nations League, but they fell short against Turkey in the semi-finals.
Sweden v Romania Tips Summary
Best Bet - Sweden to win and both teams to score @ 2/1
Alternative Bet - Alexander Isak to score any time @ 5/6
Bet Builder - Viktor Gyokeres to score any time, Most shots on target: Sweden & HT/FT - Sweden/Sweden @ 14/5
Sweden v Romania Prediction
Best Bet: Sweden to win and both teams to score @ 2/1
Sweden earned promotion to League B of the Nations League during the 2024/25 campaign, having won five of their six games against Slovakia, Estonia and Azerbaijan in Group C1.
They will face sterner tests in clashes against Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania in this section, but home comforts at the Strawberry Arena in Solna should help them make a flying start.
Sweden have lost only two of their last 10 games at home and they face a Romania side that do not travel well. The Tricolours are winless in six on the road and Sweden should have too much firepower for them.
The hosts reached the last-32 stage at the World Cup before falling short against France, but Graham Potter's team look better in all departments than Romania.
However, clean sheets have been an issue for the Blue and Yellow, with Potter's side conceding in 15 consecutive matches in all competitions.
Romania have netted in seven of their last 10 outings and should get themselves on the scoresheet, but a home win is the way to go.
Alternative Bet: Alexander Isak to score any time @ 5/6
After an injury-plagued debut campaign for Liverpool, Alexander Isak has hit the ground running this season.
The former Newcastle United striker has started five games for Liverpool in the Premier League and he has netted four times.
Isak has seen seven of his 15 shots hit the target and he looks sharp and back to his best, so there is every chance he gets his name on the scoresheet on Friday.
Sweden v Romania Bet Builder Tip
Viktor Gyokeres to score any time
Most shots on target: Sweden
HT/FT - Sweden/Sweden
Pays @ 14/5
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has endured a slow start to the season and he has not even been given enough game time to register a shot in the Premier League.
Gyokeres is the focal point of Sweden's attack, though, with Isak usually playing as a wide forward, a role that helps him utilise his speed.
The Gunners ace is Sweden's penalty taker and after weeks of sitting on the sidelines, he will be looking to make a statement on the international stage.
Sweden should dominate proceedings and possession, so it makes sense to back them to have more shots on target in the second leg of this bet builder.
With Potter's men expected to make a vibrant start, they look good value to win both halves. Romania's recent away form is troubling, and a trip to the Strawberry Arena should not offer any respite.
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Key Match Stats
Sweden are winless in three matches, although all of those took place at the World Cup
The hosts have only lost two of their last 10 home games
Romania are winless in six away matches in all competitions
Sweden have not kept a clean sheet in five consecutive matches
Sweden striker Alexander Isak has scored four goals in five Premier League matches for Liverpool
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
