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Kick-off: 5 September @ 17:00 CET
Venue: Otkrytie Arena (Moscow, Russia)
Past meetings
Sweden v Russia 1-1 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Russia v Sweden 2-0 (Euro 2008)
Russia v Sweden 1-1 (International friendly)
Sweden v Russia 3-1 (1994 World Cup)
Russia
Last 5 matches:
Hungary v Russia 1-2 (International friendly)
Montenegro v Russia 0-3 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Russia v Kazakhstan 0-0 (International friendly)
Russia v Belarus 4-2 (International friendly)
Russia v Austria 0-1 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Team News:
There were no major surprises in Leonid Slutsky’s first ever Russia squad, although Alexnadr Kerzhakov (90/30), Viktor Fayzulin (24/4) and Aleksandr Samedov (25/3) were omitted.
The good news is there have been no major problem since the squad gathered in the training camp, with playmaker Roman Shirokov shaking off a minor problem and widely expected to start.
Leonid Slutsky is expected to introduce some changes and allow his team more creative freedom, with Alan Dzagoev to be used in central midfield role and in-form Fyodor Smolov to be preferred up front to Artyom Dzyuba and Aleksandr Kokorin.
Players to watch: Roman Shirokov, Alan Dzagoev, Fyodor Smolov.
Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Akinfeev – Smolnikov, Ignashevich, V. Berezutski, D. Kombarov – Denisov, Dzagoev – Shatov, Shirokov, Zhirkov – Smolov.
Sweden
Last 5 matches:
Sweden v Finland 0-1 (International friendly)
Moldova v Sweden 0-2 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Sweden v Iran 3-1 (International friendly)
Norway v Sweden 0-0 (International friendly)
Sweden v Montenegro 3-1 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Team News:
Mersin starlet Abdul Khalili is the only uncapped player included in Sweden squad for Russia and Austria qualifiers, while important defender Andreas Granqvist (42/2) is back to the side. Mikael Lustig (44/2) was included, but he had to withdraw.
Per Nilsson did not make the squad as he had picked up a knee injury, while Kim Kallstrom (120/16) is included but he misses the game in Moscow through suspension after picking up third yellow card.
Martin Olsson (27/5) has been ruled out through injury, while coach Morten Olsen has decided to change his playing style and deploy Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a lone striker, with Marcus Berg dropping to the bench.
Players to watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Jimmy Durmaz.
Probable starting line-up (4-5-1): Isaksson – Bengtsson, Johansson, Granqvist, Wendt – Larsson, Ekdal, Wernbloom, Durmaz, Forsberg – Ibrahimovic.
Russia v Sweden betting odds & tips
*Russia desperately need a win to stay in contention for top two places and they can be backed at 2.10 (11/10) to defeat Sweden.
*And while the hosts have no choice but to attack from the off, Blagult can be very dangerous on the break, so bear in mind that over 2.5 goals pays 2.40 (7/5).
*Meanwhile, Sweden would probably be perfectly happy with another stalemate against Russia, and draw is available at 3.15 (43/20).
