Sweden vs Croatia Prediction & Betting Tips - UEFA Nations League

Prediction published on 12/11/2020, 18:45  by James | Modified on 12/11/2020 at 19:45 in UEFA Nations League Prediction

Sweden welcome Croatia to the Friends Arena for a match with more of an edge than their meeting place would imply. The two countries are facing off for what is essentially a relegation battle in Group 3 of League A in the Nations League. Portugal and France have run away from their groupmates with ten points each from four matches. Croatia are third in the group with three points thanks to a 2-1 home win over Sweden in the reverse fixture. The Swedes, pointless after four games, hope to exact revenge during this meeting. With their most talented player still dominating top-flight football years after his international retirement, Sweden lack star power in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. They have talented players throughout their squad but no outstanding attacker to decide games for them. They have lost five of their last six games in all competitions. That losing streak includes two home matches but before that, Sweden were unbeaten in eight on their own patch, a run that included a 1-1 draw with Spain.

Croatia have disappointed since their run to the World Cup final in 2018, a prolonged tournament hangover leading to them failing to win 12 of their 22 subsequent games in all competitions. Away from home, they have failed to 10 of their last 12 away matches. They still have elder statesmen like Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic guiding them through this period. While they aren't doing a stellar job, they are probably helping the passing-of-the-torch transition to a younger generation of Croatian players. Croatia have a good record against Sweden, winning four of their five previous encounters. That includes two wins on Swedish turf. This time around back a draw.