Sweden (1-0-0) and Netherlands (0-0-1) face off today in a World Cup Group F match at 1:00 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Netherlands is favored at a -135 price on the moneyline while Sweden is a +360 underdog. The over/under is set at 2.5 (-150o / +120u) goals.
Let's get into my Netherlands vs Sweden predictions.
Netherlands vs Sweden Prediction
Picks: Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 Goals (+105)
My Sweden vs Netherlands best bets are for both teams to score and Over 2.5 total goals in this match.
Netherlands vs Sweden Odds
| Sweden Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 +115 | 2.5 -150o / 120u | +360 |
| Netherlands Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 -145 | 2.5 -150o / 120u | -135 |
Netherlands vs Sweden World Cup Preview
This match marks the second time Sweden and the Netherlands have met at the global tournament, with their first encounter in 1974 ending in a 0-0 draw.
Historically, in their six official competitive games, the Dutch hold a slight edge with two wins to Sweden's one, and three matches ending in a draw. The Netherlands also leads the goal differential 9-5 across those fixtures.
Despite the Netherlands being the betting favorite, Sweden's explosive start to the competition cannot be ignored. Their 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia showcased the immense potential of their attack, with strikers Isak and Gyokeres looking like one of the most dangerous pairings in the tournament. They proved they can be clinical, converting their chances at an impressive rate.
The Netherlands are expected to control the majority of possession, as they did against Japan. However, Sweden has shown that they don't need to dominate the ball to be effective. Their threat comes from the decisive finishing of their forwards.
Expect an open contest where Sweden looks to leverage its attacking strengths, while the Netherlands aims to secure a crucial three points to assert control of the group. This tactical dynamic reinforces the potential for a high-scoring affair.
Check out the best soccer odds before making your Netherlands vs Sweden picks.
Netherlands vs Sweden Picks, Betting Analysis
- Both Teams To Score (-150, DraftKings)
- Both Teams To Score & Over 2.5 Goals (+105, DraftKings)
The reasoning behind a Both Teams to Score wager is compelling.
The opening round of the tournament saw a combined 10 goals in the matches involving these two nations. Sweden put on an offensive clinic in a 5-1 victory over Tunisia, while the Netherlands played to a 2-2 draw with Japan, conceding a late equalizer.
This free-scoring trend is not an anomaly, especially for Sweden. They have seen both teams score in seven consecutive games and have conceded a goal in 12 straight matches. Their defense has struggled to keep opponents off the scoresheet, a vulnerability the Dutch attack is well-equipped to exploit.
The Netherlands averaged a formidable 3.38 goals per 90 minutes during qualification, with Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, and Donyell Malen all in strong form. Against a Swedish defense that allows quality chances, the Oranje should have little trouble scoring.
However, Sweden's attack is just as potent. Led by Premier League strikers Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, they possess a clinical edge that can trouble any defense. Even in their dominant win over Tunisia, where they limited their opponent to just 0.28 expected goals (xG), they still conceded.
This suggests that even when controlling a game, their backline is susceptible. Given the offensive talent on both squads, betting on each team to score offers solid value.
Netherlands vs Sweden Projected Lineups
Sweden Predicted Lineup (3-4-1-2)
Goalkeeper: Nordfeldt
Defenders: Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelof
Midfielders: Bernhardsson, Karlstrom, Ayari, Gudmundsson; Nygren
Forwards: Isak, Gyokeres
Netherlands Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Verbruggen
Defenders: Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven
Midfielders: De Jong, Reijnders, Gravenberch
Forwards: Summerville, Malen, Gakpo
Netherlands vs Sweden Betting Trends
Netherlands vs Sweden Weather
Netherlands vs Sweden will not be impacted by weather as this match will take place inside the domed NRG Stadium.
