European rivals Netherlands and Sweden meet in Houston in what looks like an eye-catching Group F showdown at the soccer World Cup.
Sweden, who needed a backdoor to qualify for the tournament, lead the way in the four-team section after thumping Tunisia 5-1 in their first of three group games.
The Dutch, three-time World Cup runners-up but never the winner, twice led Japan but were twice pegged back in a 2-2 draw.
Netherlands vs. Sweden Odds, Picks & Predictions
Over 2.5 goals (-110)
Sweden produced one of the performances of the first round of Group F games with a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia - but maybe don't let that make you believe they are somehow the real deal.
They are top of Group F on three points after that win - Netherlands and Japan drew 2-2 in the other game - and that means they head to Texas feeling good.
But let's be clear here - Tunisia were awful. So awful that there were spats in the camp before kick-off and head coach Sabri Lamouchi was pretty much sacked before he got back on the team bus in Guadalupe.
Tunisia were the ideal opponent for anyone, even a Sweden side who failed to win a single qualifier before eventually squeezing into the party via the play-offs.
Netherlands, frustrating and fabulous in equal measure, represent a far, far tougher test than the North Africans.
They are, however, under pressure following their tie with the Japanese upstate in Arlington.
Only the top two teams in each group are guaranteed a place in the Round-of-32 and all will be looking for four points, minimum.
The Dutch made mistakes defensively against Japan and, if Sweden have anything, then it's a pair of classy Premier League forwards in Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres.
Both found the net against Tunisia and won't mind taking on this Dutch defence.
This should be entertaining which brings a bet on total goals into play, taking the -110 there are over 2.5.
Micky Van de Ven over 0.5 headed shots on target (+450)
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk headed in Netherlands' opener against Japan, though he is not the only aerial threat in the Dutch side.
Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur also had a header on goal against the Japanese - his effort flying just over.
The Spurs giant will be a key figure at any set plays and Sweden's defence does look susceptible to a good delivery into the box.
Van de Ven is definitely a value play at +450 to get at least one header on target.
Gabriel Gudmundsson over 1.5 fouls (+110)
Even against a team as defensively-minded and poor as Tunisia, Sweden left wing-back Gabriel Gudmundsson managed to commit three fouls.
That won't surprise anyone who has seen the tireless, committed defender operating on the left side of Leeds United's defence in the Premier League in the season just gone.
Gudmundsson will put his foot in and will make the odd mistake and up against talented right-siders of the calibre of Denzel Dumfries and his former Elland Road teammate Crysencio Summerville, the Swede could cross lines once more.
He should commit at least one foul; he's well worth risking to concede two or more at +110.
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Netherlands vs. Sweden odds
Netherlands | -138 |
Tie | +280 |
Sweden | +375 |
Netherlands vs. Sweden Player Props
Anytime goalscorer
Cody Gakpo (Netherlands) | +175 |
Donyell Malan (Netherlands) | +175 |
Crysencio Summerville (Netherlands) | +188 |
Alexander Isak (Sweden) | +210 |
Viktor Gyokeres (Sweden) | +210 |
Yasin Ayari (Sweden) | +750 |
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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.
