Sweden and Romania begin their UEFA Nations League campaigns at Strawberry Arena. Both teams are looking for a response after an inconsistent summer, but the hosts enter the match with more attacking quality.

Sweden return home after a difficult World Cup

Sweden opened the World Cup with a 5–1 victory over Tunisia before their tournament took a difficult turn. They conceded five against the Netherlands, drew with Japan and were eliminated after a 3–0 defeat against France.

Those results extended Sweden’s run without a clean sheet to 15 matches. Isak Hien is also unavailable, leaving Graham Potter with another decision to make in defence.

Sweden look much stronger at the other end of the pitch. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres are expected to start together, with Lucas Bergvall and Yasin Ayari providing support from midfield.

Romania arrive after beating Wales

Romania ended a four-match winless run with a 2–1 victory over Wales. Dennis Man, Ianis Hagi and Valentin Mihăilă give the visitors pace and creativity behind Daniel Bîrligea.

The visitors should find opportunities against a Swedish defence that has struggled throughout the year. Their biggest challenge will be containing Isak and Gyökeres for the full match.

Radu Drăgușin will lead the Romanian defence, but Sweden’s attacking partnership represents a considerable step up from what Romania faced against Wales.

Verdict

Romania have enough attacking quality to make the match competitive, particularly given Sweden’s defensive record.

The difference should be Sweden’s options in the final third. With Isak and Gyökeres together at Strawberry Arena, the hosts should create enough chances to begin their Nations League campaign with a victory.

Tip

Sweden to win