*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Switzerland and Sweden both opened their Euro 2022 campaigns with draws on Saturday, with both sides throwing away leads in the second half. However, it was Switzerland’s second-half capitulation that is likely to prove far more damaging.
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Outsiders to qualify from the group, the Swiss held a two-goal lead over fellow underdogs Portugal in their group opener in what was a must-win game for both sides. Sweden, on the other hand, conceded earlier in the second half to draw 1-1 against a strong Dutch outfit and will fancy their chances of securing passage to the knockout stages against the so-called group minnows.
They have rightfully been installed as heavy favourites for Wednesday’s game and it would be hugely surprising to see anything other than a comfortable Swedish win.
WHAT: UEFA Euro 2020, Group C – Sweden v Switzerland
WHEN: Wednesday, July 13th, 5pm
WHERE: Bramall Lane, Sheffield
HOW TO WATCH: BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Website
Want to know more about the two sides on show?
- Sweden are dark horses to go all the way despite being sixth favourites for the trophy
- Switzerland are up against it to qualify after blowing a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Portugal
Safe Bet: Sweden (-1)
Sweden are ranked No.2 in the world for a reason. They finished third at the 2019 World Cup and have already secured their qualification for the 2023 edition of the competition, dropping just two points in seven qualifying games.
Switzerland, on the other hand, are without a win in seven games in 2022, going 4-0 to England 7-0 to Germany in pre-tournament friendlies. They have struggled massively against the elite nations and will need to beat at least one of them in their next two games if they are to have any hope of progressing from Group C.
That appears unlikely, and Sweden will be confident of picking up their first win of their Euros campaign. Sweden (-1) in the alternative handicap market looks a good short-priced play.
Value Play: Kosovare Asllani to score first
AC Milan forward Kosovare Asllani was Sweden’s top scorer in the 2019 World Cup, scoring three goals as the Swedes made the semi-finals. Two of Asllani’s three goals came in the group stages, with two of her goals also opening the scoring for Sweden.
The veteran forward has scored 43 times in 160 appearances and will bring much-needed experience as Sweden bid for a first European championship since 1984. She is also one of Sweden’s top scorers in World Cup qualifying, scoring three goals in her last two games, including an equaliser against Ireland to ensure the Swedes remained unbeaten in qualifying so Asllani to Score First certainly has appeal.
Long Shot: Sweden to win 5-0
England and France have laid down a marker in recent days with eye-catching wins over Norway and Italy respectively, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see this excellent Sweden side follow suit against Switzerland on Wednesday. The Swiss conceded a combined total of 11 goals against Germany and England before the tournament and looked shaky defensively against Portugal in their group opener.
Sweden, meanwhile, do not often beat teams into submission, winning three of their World Cup qualifiers by one goal. However, this is an opportunity to make a statement against a weak Switzerland team that has not kept a clean sheet in seven matches.
Goal difference is also likely to prove a factor in deciding the Group C winner following Sweden’s draw with the Dutch on the opening day, meaning that every goal will count on Wednesday night. Sweden to Win 5-0 is your long shot here.
Sweden v Switzerland betting tips
Safe Bet: Sweden (-1)
Value Play: Kosovare Asllani to score first
Long Shot: Sweden to win 5-0
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
READ MORE
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- When is the Women’s Euro 2022? Fixtures, groups, schedule & venues as England host
- Women’s Euros squads: Every team’s complete list of selected players for 2022 tournament
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