Repeat of Euro 2020 stalemate likely for Spain
Sweden and Spain face off in competitive action for the second time in the space of three months, with the temporary prize on offer being supremacy at the top of UEFA Group B in the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers. The first encounter was memorable for the rearguard action of the underdogs, stifling La Furia Roja in spite of their relentless waves of attack. Though it mattered little ultimately (Thursday's visitors were only edged out in the semis by eventual winners Italy), there is good reason for the hosts to be confident of another draw that could tilt the pool ever so slightly in their favour with a game in hand. Read our preview here:
He's got the Quaison
Though most fans of the men's national side would like to see a bit more attacking endeavour, that is unlikely to come under Janne Andersson with his dogmatic use of a 4-4-2, and nor will it change for the visit of Spain to the Friends Arena in Solna. He would be well within his rights to argue for the need to keep things exactly as they were earlier in the summer, and will largely be able to call upon the exact same XI that started the impressive stalemate. The one major exception is Marcus Danielson, whose red card in the last 16 clash with Ukraine means he is still suspended for Thursday. Elsewhere, Aleksander Isak will be partnered by Robin Quaison up top. The latter, a versatile attack-minded player, didn't net in the tournament, but has started very brightly in front of goal for new side Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. Opportunities to reach double figures in yellow and blue are certain to be scant, but he is the one individual who can link up what are otherwise very rigid units in the final third of the pitch.
Adama-nt
Several Spanish talents have been given extra time off to rest and recuperate, with a good number of them having featured heavily at both the Euros and subsequent Olympics in Tokyo. Pau Torres' absence will mean a place for 'new' Barcelona signing Eric García after a four-year stint in England with Manchester City, and he will be joined by ex-teammate Aymeric Laporte at the heart of the backline. Mikel Merino will slot in on the right side of a midfield three, and much of the tempo will be dictated by him. Further forward, it will be up to Adama Traoré to add the end product that has far too often been missing from his game, and to also overcome the disappointment of missing out on a late move to Tottenham Hotspur in the transfer window. Álvaro Morata has started the campaign poorly in a shambolic looking Juventus outfit, and is almost certain to have no time to dwell on any opportunities he's presented with.
Do the Hokey Koke
Defeat for either on Thursday night will do nothing to dislodge the pair from the top two places, with Greece, Georgia, and Kosovo not even mustering a win between them at the time of writing. Automatic qualification is therefore more likely to be decided in the head-to-heads, and Sweden, actually possessing a slightly superior goal difference right now, have a slender advantage. bet365 have odds of 3.50 for a draw that will be marginally more welcomed at home by the Blågult faithful.
