Kosovo travel to Sweden in a match where the Swedes are clear favourites according to the odds, but let’s not forget we’re talking about a Sweden that has shown practically nothing in this qualifying phase—a team in crisis.
They still haven’t won a game. They are coming off a 0-2 loss to Switzerland, and before that they lost 2-0 in Kosovo and drew 2-2 in Slovenia. There has been a lot of discussion in Sweden about the team, their style of play, and therefore about their Danish coach, Jon Dahl Tomasson, who has yet to convince anyone.
Sweden made some changes after the defeat in Kosovo, but the team was still unable to score against Switzerland (they hit the post and had a few clear chances, but the goal never came). Tomasson’s defensive style leaves huge gaps in midfield, which every opponent so far has been able to exploit. They will probably try to play more offensively today, while Kosovo will sit deep defensively and look to force mistakes to hurt them on the counter. They have players like Zhegrova and Muriqi, who are very capable of scoring in transition or from set pieces.
Sweden might win this match, but I don’t think it will be easy for them and, to be honest, I don’t feel comfortable betting on them. I also don’t think that, even if they do win, they will keep a clean sheet.
SORRY FOR BAD TRANSLATIONS IN MY PREDICTIONS