Portugal vs Sweden Prediction & Preview

Portugal vs Sweden International Friendly: Key Players Absent as New Era Begins

The anticipation is high as Portugal prepares to host Sweden in an international friendly at Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques.

However, the excitement is tinged with disappointment for Portuguese fans as several mainstays including Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Dalot, and Joao Cancelo will be absent from the lineup.

This absence provides an opportunity for Sweden to make an impact under their new manager, Jon Dahl Tomasson, who will be making his managerial debut.

Absence of Key Players

The absence of key players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Dalot, and Joao Cancelo is a significant blow to Portugal’s lineup. These players have been instrumental in Portugal’s success in recent years, and their absence will undoubtedly be felt on the field. However, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth to the team.

New Managerial Debut

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s appointment as the new manager of the Swedish national team marks the beginning of a new era for the Bla-Gult. Tomasson, a former international player himself, brings a wealth of experience to the role and will be looking to make an immediate impact. His tactical acumen and motivational skills will be put to the test as Sweden aims to bounce back from a disappointing qualification campaign.

Threat from the Swedish Attack

Despite their struggles in qualification, Sweden boasts a formidable attacking lineup. Players like Dejan Kulusevski, Alexander Isak, and Viktor Gyokeres possess the talent and firepower to trouble any defense. Portugal will need to be wary of the threat posed by these players and ensure they are well-prepared to deal with their attacking prowess.

Previous Encounters

Portugal has enjoyed recent success against Sweden, winning four of their last five encounters. However, the Swedes will take heart from their previous meeting in October 2020, where Portugal secured a narrow 3-0 victory. Both teams have a history of tight matches, with goals often hard to come by.

Prediction for Portugal vs Sweden

Despite missing key players, Portugal remains the favorites heading into this match. However, Sweden will be eager to make a statement under their new manager and could pose a real threat to the Portuguese defense.

Betting on a double chance for Sweden to either win or draw offers attractive odds, while the Both Teams To Score market also presents value given the attacking talent on display.