Sweden vs Albania tips and predictions: Tottenham man to turn on the style as hosts face stiff test

It’s quite incredible that of the two nations, it’s Sweden who won’t be competing at the upcoming Euros.

The Swedes have qualified for their last six European Championships but fell spectacularly short on this occasion after a disappointing campaign.

Three wins from eight matches was a woeful turnaround which inevitably cost Janne Andersson his job.

Luckily for the federation, Jon Dahl Tomasson was available following his stint at Blackburn and the Dane is now in charge of rebuilding this once powerful footballing force.

Albania, on the other hand, shocked the entire continent as they not only qualified for the Euros but did so as group winners.

The Eagles are enjoying a real golden period under the management of former Arsenal, Barcelona and Man City left back Sylvinho.

Over the last 12 months, Albania have played nine games and suffered just one defeat. That loss came on Friday as Sylvinho’s side fell to a 3-0 defeat against Chile in a friendly.

Following recent events, the importance of Monday’s game has somewhat increased.

On one hand, Sweden will want a positive result after kicking off the Tomasson era with a heavy 5-2 loss against Portugal. Albania, on the other hand, could also do with a win after Friday’s spanking.

Sweden’s last outing was disappointing, though one man who impressed was Tottenham forward Dejan Kulusevski.

We’re backing the Spurs man to have another solid outing and bag a goal over in Stockholm.

 

Key stats

- Albania have only lost one of their last nine matches

- Sweden have conceded nine goals in four games

- Albania have won just one of the last five head-to-heads

- Albania have scored just one goals in 270 minutes of international football

 

Suggested bets

Dejan Kulusevski to score anytime

Both teams to score

Over 2.5 goals