Domenico Tedesco starts his career as Red Devils manager and will be hoping that these Sweden vs. Belgium predictions come true. Sweden are unbeaten in their last three games but are underdogs ahead of Friday’s clash.
Sweden vs. Belgium odds
1 – Belgium to win – 11/10
2 – Both teams not to score – 5/6
3 – Under 2.5 goals scored – 7/10
4 – Kevin de Bruyne to score anytime -5/2
5 – Belgium to score a penalty –
Belgium look to bounce back from World Cup disappointment as they take on Sweden for their first match of 2024 European Qualifiers. The Red Devil’s group stage exit back in December lead to the departure of both the manager and the captain, with a new cycle expected to start at the Friends Arena.
The visitors won’t be the only side looking to kick-start a new era, as Sweden boast plenty of talent of their own. The Blagult would have been devastated to have fallen just short in the World Cup qualifiers but may be quietly confident of their progress from Group F should they win the opener.
That having been said, Belgium go into Friday’s game as comfortable favourites, having won all of their last three matches against Sweden. The Belgian players will be keen to impress their new manager and are likely to take all three points in match day one.
It won’t be an easy victory for the away side, hoping to forget any lingering memories of football under Roberto Martinez. Despite an internationally renowned front line, the Red Devils scored just one goal in their World Cup campaign, having done little better in the build up to the competition.
Sweden have been slightly better in front of goal, averaging roughly 1.75 per game over their last six matches. Even so, a high scoring match is highly unlikely this week with both teams likely to play conservative football for their opening fixture. A wager therefore on under 2.5 goals score and on only one team to score could well provide a decent return.
If any player is likely to break the deadlock, the odds are very much in favour of Kevin De Bruyne. The Manchester City man has been in phenomenal form for his club with 18 assists to his name in all competitions. Whether De Bruyne is as effective with Romelu Lukaku in the place of Erling Haaland remains to be seen though.
How to stream Sweden vs. Belgium
Catch Sweden vs. Belgium live on Friday on Viaplay Sports 2 with a monthly subscription.
Sweden vs. Belgium last five matches
Sweden last five matches
Sweden 2-1 Iceland – Friendly
Sweden 2-0 Finland – Friendly
Sweden 1-1 Slovenia – Nations League
Sweden 0-1 Serbia – Nations League
Sweden 1-2 Norway – Nations League
Belgium last five matches
Sweden top goalscorers
N/A
Belgium top goalscorers
N/A
Sweden vs. Belgium line-ups
Sweden (4-4-2): Olsen; Andersson, Hien, Lindelof, Augustinsson; Claesson, Olsen, Karlstrom, Forsberg; Isak, Kulusevski
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Meunier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Castagne; Tielemans, Onana; Trossard, De Bruyne, Carrasco; Lukaku
Sweden team news
Alexander Isak’s form for Newcastle should earn the forward a start on Friday either replacing Robin Quaison or seeing Dejan Kulusevski pushed back into midfield. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has also returned to the squad but is unlikely to start against Belgium.
Belgium team news
Domencio Tedesco’s first Belgium squad has a number of changes, with Eden Hazard retiring from international duty. Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia has received his first call-up, with Axel Witsel missing out. Romelu Lukaku may get a rare start having struggled with injuries this season.