Sweden vs Slovenia Showdown: In-Depth Preview, Team News and Prediction

Sweden and Slovenia will play for pride on Tuesday in their final Group B fixture, with both nations already eliminated from 2026 World Cup qualification. The hosts sit at the bottom of the standings with just one point from five matches, while the visitors are third with three points.

Once considered group favorites, Sweden’s campaign has been disastrous. An attack featuring formidable strikers Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres was expected to dominate, but their qualification bid never materialized. An opening 2-2 draw with Slovenia, in which they conceded a 90th-minute equalizer, was followed by three consecutive losses to Kosovo and Switzerland without scoring a goal.

The poor run of results led to the dismissal of manager Jon Dahl Tomasson. His successor, Graham Potter, saw his tenure begin with a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland. With a playoff spot secured via the Nations League as their only remaining hope for qualification, Potter will be eager for a victory to build momentum.

Slovenia have endured a similarly frustrating campaign. After the opening draw with Sweden, where they scored their only two goals of the qualifying stage, Matjaz Kek’s side has managed just two more draws and two losses. A lack of offensive firepower has been a major factor in their elimination. Despite their poor form, Slovenia will aim to end on a positive note, though they have not beaten Sweden in their last four encounters, a run that includes three draws and one defeat.

For Sweden, Liverpool striker Alexander Isak, who started on the bench against Switzerland, could return to the starting lineup, potentially alongside Benjamin Nygren. In midfield, Emil Forsberg and Anthony Elanga are contenders for starting roles, while Gabriel Gudmundsson may come into the defense.

Slovenia will be without the suspended Petar Stojanovic following his red card in their last match. Manager Matjaz Kek may opt for several changes to the team that lost to Kosovo, with Benjamin Verbic, Dejan Petrovic, and Nejc Grandisar all in contention to start.

Sweden possible starting lineup:
Johansson; Gudmundsson, Lagerbielke, Hien, Svensson; Bernhardsson, Forsberg, Ayari, Elanga; Nygren, Isak

Slovenia possible starting lineup:
Oblak; Brekalo, Bijol, Drkusic; Karnicnik, Petrovic, Elsnik, Janza; Verbic; Gradisar, Vipotnik

Both teams have been disappointing and have struggled to score goals throughout this qualifying campaign. Considering that three of their last four meetings have ended all square, another stalemate appears to be the most likely outcome.

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