Sweden vs Norway

An all-Scandinavian UEFA Nations League Group B4 derby pits Sweden against Norway at Friends Arena in Solna.

Sweden scored on either side of half-time to beat Slovenia 2-0 last time out and get their UEFA Nations League campaign off to a flying start. Now keen to post back-to-back wins for the first time since October 2021, the Swedes head into proceedings in high spirits after ending a run of four winless matches (D1, L3 – 90mins only). If Janne Andersson’s men are to achieve that feat, they better be quick out of the blocks, as their last seven internationals have seen one or both sides fail to score (W3, D1, L3). Interestingly, their four previous meetings with fellow Scandinavian rivals have ended level, with the last three all featuring both teams on the scoresheet.

Meanwhile, new Manchester City striker Erling Haaland notched up a first-half winner as Norway squeezed past Serbia 1-0 last time out. Having taken their winning streak to three without conceding, the Norwegians will hope to halt a run of five winless H2Hs (D4, L1) and claim their first win over Sweden since 2005. But Norway’s indifferent three-game form on the road (W1, D1, L1) suggests it won’t be a simple task. Low scoring theme has highlighted Norway’s away matches since the beginning of 2021. Except for a 3-0 thrashing of European minnows Gibraltar at the turn of last year, their five remaining travels have featured under 2.5 goals.