Slovenia will take on Sweden in a World Cup qualifier on Friday, 5 September as the road to the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer begins in Europe.
The match represents the first match in Group B, and a slow start could see World Cup aspirations very quickly drift away.
Slovenia are in pursuit of their first World Cup appearance since 2010, while Sweden are chasing their first finals appearance since 2018.
As part of this week's round of World Cup qualifying betting tips, check out our Slovenia vs Sweden prediction below.
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Slovenia vs Sweden prediction: An edgy win for the visitors
Key Stats
- Slovenia have won just one of their last three home matches inside 90 minutes.
- Sweden beat Hungary 2-0 in their most recent away match, a nation ranked 12 places higher than Slovenia.
- Both teams have scored in two of Sweden's last three matches.
Correct score prediction: Slovenia 1-2 Sweden
Sweden have a much stronger team on paper than Slovenia, and while that doesn't always translate on the pitch, it's time for them to get serious as World Cup qualifying gets underway. The likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga are deserving of a place at a World Cup, and it's up to them to ensure their team makes it.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The visitors are big underdogs
- HOME: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
- DRAW: 9/4 (3.25) – 30.8%
- AWAY: 5/4 (2.25) – 44.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Slovenia vs Sweden odds are weighted slightly in favour of the visitors, but there remains plenty of value on our prediction of an away win at 5/4. Ladbrokes have given Sweden a 44.4% chance of winning on Friday night, while Slovenia have been given a 31.3% chance of winning on home soil.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Advantage Sweden
Slovenia and Sweden have only met on four occasions since 2008, and the Swedes are unbeaten across all four fixtures, with two wins and two draws. The most recent clash between the two nations took place in the Nations League back in 2022, and the spoils were shared in Stockholm. The meeting prior to that, Sweden won 2-0 in Slovenia.
UEFA Nations League B 27/09/22
Sweden
Slovenia
UEFA Nations League 02/06/22
Slovenia
Sweden
International Match 30/05/16
Sweden
Slovenia
Slovenia preview: Sesko to get some minutes in his legs
Benjamin Sesko should start the match on Friday night, which is also good news for Man Utd as they look to bring the big Slovenian up to speed as quickly as possible. Sesko will be the hosts' biggest threat on the night, but they have another elite performer at the other end of the pitch in the form of Jan Oblak.
Predicted lineup: Oblak (GK), Karnicnik, Brekalo, Bijol, Janza, Petrovic, Zeljkovic, Stojanovic, Lovric, Sturm, Sesko
Last five matches
- Slovenia 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Luxembourg 0-1 Slovenia
- Slovenia 0-0 Slovakia
- Slovakia 0-0 Slovenia
- Austria 1-1 Slovenia
Sweden preview: Isak to appear from the bench
After effectively going on strike this summer, Alexander Isak is far from match fit, but he is still in the Sweden squad for this one. The new Liverpool signing will more than likely come off the bench, meaning Viktor Gyokeres will lead the line on his own to start with.
Predicted lineup: Johansson (GK), Ekdal, Hien, Svensson, Elanga, Larsson, Ayari, Saletros, Sema, Nygren, Gyokeres
Last five matches
- Sweden 4-3 Algeria
- Hungary 0-2 Sweden
- Sweden 5-1 Northern Ireland
- Luxembourg 1-0 Sweden
- Sweden 6-0 Azerbaijan
Player to watch: Viktor Gyokeres
After scoring more than 50 goals for Sporting Lisbon last season, Viktor Gyokeres has gotten off to a mixed start at Arsenal. While he netted twice on his home debut against Leeds, the 27-year-old was anonymous in the matches against Liverpool and Manchester United. He will be keen for a good international break so he can take more confidence back with him to North London.