Euro 2016 Play-off, first leg - preview and odds: Sweden vs. Denmark

Published on: 09/11/2015

Euro 2016 Play-off, first leg - preview and odds: Sweden vs. Denmark

November 14, 2015 20:45pm - Friends Arena

Euro 2016 Qualifier - Play-off

Nordic neighbours Sweden and Denmark will begin their battle for a place at next years European Championships when they clash in the first instalment of a two-legged play-off match in Solna on Saturday night.

Second play-off in succession for Sweden

After falling to Portugal in the 2014 FIFA World Cup play-offs, Sweden will be hoping to avoid further heartbreak when they go up against their tricky neighbours this week. The Swedes just have the edge in the head-to-head record against Denmark but have not beaten them in their two previous qualifying games at home.

Sweden were still in with a chance of qualification on the final match day in Group G and did all they could by beating Moldova by two goals to nil. Unfortunately, rivals Russia inflicted the same score-line on Montenegro to leave the Swedish national team languishing in third place.

Erik Hamréns side have lost just once in their last 16 home games in European qualifying events. That defeat happened back in September when they went down 1-4 to runaway group winners Austria.

Denmark keen to extend Olsen reign

Denmark were disappointed not to qualify automatically from Group I after Serbia were deducted three points, leaving Morten Olsens team as favourites to progress alongside Portugal. Unfortunately for the Danes, a draw at home to Albania followed by a goalless encounter at bottom-ranked Armenia left them third in the group while Albania progressed.

Defeat to Sweden could bring Coach Morten Olsens 15-year reign to an end, while victory could see him extend his stay for one last shot at a major tournament. The 1992 champions will be buoyed by the fact that they have yet to lose a qualifying game in Sweden.

Team news

The home side have called on uncapped Norrkoping striker Emir Kujovic for the play-offs.

Meanwhile, Denmark have called Viktor Fischer, Andreas Christensen and Leon Andreasen into the squad for this duo of games.

Recent form (qualifiers)

Sweden: WWLLW

Denmark: LDDWW

Betting odds and tips

Denmark failed to win any of their last three qualifying games while Sweden won their last two games by two goals to nil. Sweden can be expected to gain the advantage going into the second leg.

The Swedes can be backed at 7/5 with Betfred and top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic can be backed to score anytime at 28/17 with Unibet.

Published on: 09/11/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (09/11/2015 16:41:13) but are subject to change.