World Cup last 16: Sweden vs. Switzerland team news, predictions, betting odds, TV

Expect a close encounter at the Saint
Petersburg Stadium

Preview

The Swedes will come into the game as underdogs, but Fifa.com reporter Alexandra Jonson says the
players will thrive on the situation.   

Jonson writes: “After a glance at their Fifa/Coca-Cola
World Ranking, we can see that Sweden once again arrive as
underdogs, and the players know it. It’s a situation they’ve come
not only to accept but enjoy.

“The defence will once again be key, but scoring three
goals against Mexico was an important display of just how effective
and dangerous they can be. The team is harmonious, going into the
match with nothing to lose and their desire to keep the World Cup
journey alive is huge.”

In the World Cup quarter-finals Sweden or Switzerland will
face the winner of the Colombia vs. England clash.

Team news

The London Evening Standard reports that Stephan
Lichtsteiner and Fabian Schar are both suspended for Switzerland
while Sweden will be without midfielder Sebastian Larsson for the
same reason. 

Sweden vs. Switzerland predicted starting
XIs

How the teams could line up at the Saint Petersburg Stadium,
according to Fifa.com: 

• Sweden: Robin Olsen; Mikael Lustig, Victor Lindelöf, Andreas
  Granqvist, Ludwig Augustinsson; Viktor Claesson, Gustav Svensson,
  Albin Ekdal, Emil Forsberg; Marcus Berg, Ola Toivonen 
• Switzerland: Yann Sommer; Michael Lang, Johan Djourou, Manuel
  Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Valon Behrami, Granit Xhaka; Xherdan
  Shaqiri, Blerim Dzemaili, Steven Zuber; Josip Drmic

Sweden vs. Switzerland predictions

Mark Lawrenson, BBC
Sport: “Switzerland have been playing well and got out of group
E without too much fuss. It is very obvious what Sweden do, and
they definitely play to their strengths without having any really
talented strikers. From what I have seen of the Swiss, they just
have a little bit more about them, which is why I am backing them
to get to the quarter-finals. Prediction: Sweden 0 Switzerland
1.”

Roland Kesler, 101GreatGoals: “Despite finishing as runners-up
in their group, Switzerland are certainly favourites for this one.
That said, I reckon it’ll be close encounter, with one goal being
the difference come full-time. Prediction: Sweden 1-2
Switzerland.”

Sweden vs. Switzerland betting odds

Best prices according to Oddschecker (as of 2 July):

• Switzerland to win: 7/4 
• Draw: 2/1 
• Sweden to win: 11/5

First goalscorer

• No goalscorer: 9/2 
• Marcus Berg (Sweden): 13/2 
• Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland): 13/2 
• Josip Drmic (Switzerland): 7/1 
• Haris Seferovic (Switzerland): 7/1 
• Ola Toivonen (Sweden): 7/1 
• Mario Gavranovic (Switzerland): 17/2 
• Isaac Kiese Thelin (Sweden): 9/1 
• John Guidetti (Sweden): 19/2