Overview
In Group 1 of League C Nations League 2024-2025, Sweden and Slovakia are competing fiercely for the top spot, which can be promoted to League B without going through the play-off round. Both teams currently have 10 points, but Sweden is temporarily ranked higher thanks to a better goal difference.
Slovakia have maintained a relatively stable performance since EURO 2024, a tournament where they were only eliminated by England's brilliant moments in injury time and extra time.
In 4 matches in the Nations League this season, Slovakia has won 3 and scored a total of 8 goals. If they can beat Sweden, they will be the team that holds the right to decide the top spot in Group 1.
In terms of personnel, Sweden is superior to other opponents in League C. They have two strikers in good form, Isak and Gyokeres.
After 4 matches, Sweden won 3 and scored 11 goals. Their only draw came on the away trip to Slovakia.
In their return to the Friends Arena, Sweden will certainly not want to make the same mistake as the first leg. A draw will also help Sweden move closer to the direct promotion ticket.
However, coach Jon Dahl Tomasson's team will certainly want to get all 3 points in this match.
Slovakia and Sweden have met seven times in the last 25 years and the results are clear. Slovakia have yet to win a game, losing three and drawing four.
Human resources situation
Sweden have a strong attacking trio of Isak, Gyokeres and Dejan Kulusevski. However, Anthony Elanga refused to join the team after a disagreement with the coach in October.
On the other side of the front line, Slovakia welcomes the return of Stanislav Lobotka. Ivan Schranz has also recovered, while Lukas Haraslin and Juraj Kucka are absent.
Expected lineup:
Sweden: Johansson, Lindelof, Hien, Gudmundsson, Eliasson, Karlstrom, Saletros, Sema, Kulusevski, Isak, Gyokeres.
Slovakia: Dubravka, Pekarik, Skriniar, Obert, Hancko, Duda, Lobotka, Benes, Suslov, Strelec, Schranz.
The match between Sweden and Slovakia takes place at 2:45 a.m. on November 17 (Vietnam time).
