Slovakia will be aiming to claim back-to-back wins at Euro 2020 when they take on Sweden at the Krestovsky Stadium on Friday.
The Slovakians go into this match on the back of a tight win over Poland, looking to pick up consecutive triumphs at the European Championship for the first time.
On the other hand, Sweden fought tooth and nail to avoid defeat against Spain but will have to show more urgency in the front third if they are to open their account at Euro 2020.
Note: You can watch all Euro 2020 games via live streaming.
Sweden Preview
Despite having just 25% of the ball and failing to attempt a single shot on target, Sweden held Spain to a goalless draw in their opening game of Group E.
Although a draw with Spain ended their five-match winning streak, it has seen Janne Andersson’s men record a fifth shutout in six international outings.
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof was impressive against the former European champions and will be looking to build on that performance against Slovakia.
The Red Devils star will try to help his team maintain a solid defensive record against Slovakia in the 21st century.
The Blagult have kept a clean sheet three times in their five meetings with the Slovakians since the turn of the millennium.
However, scoring could be a problem for Sweden as they have netted one goal or less in two of their previous three matches against this opposition.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic ruled out with injury, Real Sociedad’s Alexandar Isac has emerged as Andersson’s preferred striker.
Suggested Article: Spain 0-0 Sweden: Player ratings as Enrique’s men fail to break down stubborn defence.
Slovakia Preview
Slovakia exceeded expectations in their Group E curtain-raiser, overcoming Poland 2-1 to record only their second win at the European Championships.
Stefan Tarkovic’s men head into this encounter unbeaten in six international games in a row (W2, D4), last enjoying a longer such streak in 2016.
Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka had an encouraging start to the European Championship campaign, preventing one of Europe’s finest strikers, Robert Lewandowski, from scoring.
But, much of the credit for keeping the Bayern Munich star at bay has to be pinned on Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar, who had an exceptional game against Poland.
In addition to protecting his goal against one of the deadliest forwards at the tournament, the 26-year-old scored the winning goal to boost his side’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage.
Previously linked with several Premier League sides, Skriniar has found the net three times in his last four appearances for the national team.
Suggested Article: Poland 1-2 Slovakia: Player ratings in shock win for underdogs.
Sweden vs Slovakia Head-To-Head
Sweden and Slovakia have never met at a major international tournament before.
Backed by a strong start to the competition, Slovakia will be looking to post their first-ever victory over Sweden, having failed to win any of their previous five encounters (D3, L2).
Excitement could be in short supply, though, as each of their last four meetings has featured under 2.5 goals.
Sweden vs Slovakia Predicted Line-ups
Sweden (4-4-2): Robin Olsen; Mikael Lustig, Victor Lindelof, Marcus Danielson, Ludwig Augustinsson; Sebastian Larsson, Kristoffer Olsson, Albin Ekdal, Emil Forsberg; Marcus Berg, Alexander Isak.
Slovakia (4-2-3-1): Martin Dúbravka; Peter Pekarík, Ľubomír Šatka, Milan Škriniar, Tomáš Hubočan; Juraj Kucka, Jakub Hromada; Lukáš Haraslín, Marek Hamšík, Róbert Mak; Ondrej Duda.
Also Read: Euro 2020 Fixtures & Results.
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