The surprising leaders of Group E at the Euros after one matchday, Slovakia, will get a strong test in their second game, as they face Sweden.
Despite their win against Poland, Slovakia will come into this one as +375 underdogs, while the defensively sound Sweden are -120 favorites in Euro betting.
Keep reading for our Sweden vs. Slovakia tips and predictions.
Game info
• Location: Saint Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg, Russia
• Date: Friday, June 18, 2021
• Time: 9:00 a.m. ET
• TV: ESPN, TSN 1/3
Sweden vs Slovakia betting tips
- Sweden (-120)
- Anytime goalscorer - Alexander Isak (+187)
Sweden vs Slovakia odds
Sweden: -120
Slovakia: +375
Draw: +240
Total: 2.5
Over 2.5: +130
Under 2.5: -163
Odds as of June 17, 2021, at 4:05 p.m. ET.
Euro 2020 Sharp Money and Line Movement Report
By Patrick EversonVery early Thursday, literally a few minutes after midnight Wednesday, TwinSpires has this match at Sweden -121/Slovakia +400/Draw +240, after opening Sweden -133/Slovakia +420/Draw +230. The Swedish side is taking 72 percent of tickets on the three-way moneyline, but just 58 percent of dollars. Slovakia is drawing 20 percent of tickets/36 percent of cash, and Draw is getting 8 percent of tickets/6 percent of money. The total opened 2.5 (Under -170) and moved a few cents to 2.5 (Under -165) on two-way action, with 57 percent of bets on the Under and 58 percent of money on the Over.
Sweden vs Slovakia betting preview
Weather
Sweden and Slovakia will have perfect conditions for their Euro clash, with temperatures expected around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in St. Petersburg on Friday.
Key injuries
Sweden: Filip Helander (Questionable), Mattias Svanberg (Out), Dejan Kulusevski (Out).
Slovakia: No injuries to report.
Sweden vs Slovakia matchup
| Sweden | Slovakia | |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | World Ranking | 36 |
| 0 | Goals For | 2 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 1 |
| 0-0 vs. Spain | Previous Game | 2-1 vs. Poland |
| Alexander Isak | Player to Watch | Marek Hamsik |
Sweden vs Slovakia predictions
Moneyline pick
As expected, Sweden went into their opening match of the Euros against Spain and sat deep, defending with brilliant resolve and discipline. Their famous 4-4-2 was moving in unison, with the two banks of four absolutely suffocating Spain's chances of building an attack.
Despite Spain putting up comical numbers in comparison to Sweden, with 75 percent possession, 852 passes completed to Sweden's 103, while attempting 17 shots to Sweden's four, Spain never truly looked like a threat save for a couple of good looks for striker Alvaro Morata, who scuffed them — as expected.
A testament to Sweden's experience playing as they have on the international stage for years, they nearly stole it at the end with a fantastic, missed chance. Their expected goals of 1.34 exemplify just what they hoped to do: keep Spain out with a low block and a midfield four in front of them, and capitalize on the rare chances they got. Though they weren't able to take all three points, the draw is a fantastic point against Spain.
While Sweden did well to keep a strong Spain side, Slovakia took advantage of an awful Poland performance, with a red card to Poland all but killing any hopes Slovakia's opponents had. Despite losing the xG battle 1.64-0.49, Slovakia took all three points, and they have to be encouraged by the liveliness of Marek Hamsik in midfield.
Matchday one saw Slovakia take advantage of a Poland side that consistently, infamously, plays down to opponents and crashes out of tournaments. They won't be so lucky against one of the world's most well-drilled teams. Sweden can head into the third and final group stage game in a great position.
PREDICTION: Sweden (-120)
Goalscorer pick
After a breakout, 17-goal season in La Liga, Swedish striker Alexander Isak was widely viewed as the country's next great attacker. Though he didn't get on the scoresheet in their first match, he was the most dangerous forward on the field, hitting the post and setting up his strike partner, Marcus Berg, for a glorious chance that was missed.
Isak, Berg, and talisman Emil Forsberg combined well in a few moments against Spain, displaying an attacking trio that has performed well in Euro and World Cup qualifiers recently. Despite Sweden's defensive commitment and Spain's absurd numbers compared to Sweden's, Isak was inches from finishing the night with a goal and an assist in what would have been a famous win.
Slovakia looked susceptible against Poland, however, they were lucky their opponents were unable to mount any sort of attack or provide service to Robert Lewandowski. They won't be so lucky this time around, and Isak can open his goal-scoring account at major tournaments.
PREDICTION: Anytime goalscorer - Alexander Isak (+187)
Picks made on 6/17/2021 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Where can I bet on Euro 2020 odds?
As a signature tournament for the most popular sport in the world, almost every online sportsbook and betting site will offer odds for Euro 2020. Check out the best soccer betting sites available where you live.
