Netherlands vs Sweden Predictions

• There have been at least three goals scored in four of the Netherlands’ last six games
• At least four goals have been scored in five consecutive Sweden games
• The Dutch have just one defeat in normal time in their last 16 games

Advantage Sweden in World Cup Group F

Sweden are in charge of Group F after a dominant 5-1 win over Tunisia in their opener but they will face a far sterner test in the second batch of games as they face the Netherlands at NRG Stadium in Houston.

The Oranje looked on course to win their own opening assignment against Japan as they twice took the lead but were pegged back and had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Both sides came through their first games without any injury issues. Sweden’s Gabriel Gudmundsson was removed from the action midway through the second half and limped off the pitch, but has since confirmed he was just suffering from cramp.

Goals markets the best angle

The Netherlands are the 4/6 favourites to win and they are the team in the better form, but Sweden should be boosted by their huge win over the Eagles of Carthage and the better options for our main bet are the slightly bigger prices available for either both teams to score or over 2.5.

Both teams have scored in four of the Netherlands’ last six games and in each of Sweden’s last seven, a run that stretches back to before Graham Potter was appointed as manager, but the preference is for over 2.5 goals as that covers the possibility of a big win to nil for either side.

The Dutch tend to be involved in entertaining games as over 2.5 goals has been a winning bet in four of their last six games and in five of their last six competitive fixtures. There have been at least four goals scored in each of Sweden’s last five games and they have shipped more than once goal in eight of their last 11 games, so both sides can contribute to a high-scoring game on Saturday.

Dutch can claim first win

A draw was probably a fair result for the Netherlands against Japan but Dutch boss Ronald Koeman will still have been disappointed his side didn’t take all three points. The Oranje were the dominant side in the opening 45 minutes but were unable to make a breakthrough.

Crysencio Summerville gave them a 2-1 lead midway through the second half after a frantic period following the restart but they were unable to see the game out as they conceded an 89th minute equaliser after.

The Netherlands should enjoy a bit more success against a suspect Sweden defence than they did against the disciplined Japan, and a 3-1 win for Koeman’s side is the correct score pick.

Sweden have shipped a hefty 24 goals across their last 11 games and the Netherlands are unlikely to ease off if they do go a goal ahead after slipping up against the Blue Samurai. The Dutch came into the tournament as the team in the better form with just one defeat in 15 games before facing Japan and they have a stronger squad than the Swedes.

Donyell Malen looked sharp without scoring for the Netherlands against Japan as he managed two attempts and both were on target. The Roma forward should get a couple of opportunities against Sweden and he can open his account for the tournament this weekend.