Russia will aim to build on the win over Turkey in its inaugural UEFA Nations League match when Sweden comes to town on Thursday. More details in our match preview.

What is the current position of Russia and Sweden on group table in the UEFA Nations League?

Russia currently tops Group 2 in League B of the UEFA Nations Cup following its 2-1 win over Turkey in the first game. Sweden, on the other hand, sits at the bottom of the table having lost at home to Turkey.

What is the current form of Russia compared to Sweden?

Bookmakers have tipped Russia to pin Thursday's visitors with the team's heroics at the 2018 World Cup still vivid in mind. Stanislav Cherchesov's men, following their quarter-final exit from the summer's tournament, have so far recorded back-to-back wins against Turkey and Czech Republic respectively.

In the process, the team accumulated seven goals and conceded on just twice. Nonetheless, the same cannot be said for a Swedish side that is without a win in three consecutive outings across all competitions. The Blagut, who also impressed at the World Cup, saw their last win coming via a 1-0 scoreline against Switzerland at the tournament back in July.

In retrospect, Janne Andersson's men have lost five and have drawn twice in their last 10 games in all competitions. 

Team news

Russia

Ahead of Thursday's encounter, Russia will be optimistic about their chances of bagging the win in their own backyard. However, the World Cup quarterfinalist will approach the game with a slightly different outlook following the retirement of long-term goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev last month.

Lunev, who played in between the sticks against Turkey is expected to be rested with Brazilian-born Marinato Guilherme expected to take over the mantle. Aleksandr Golovin, who was absent during the last international break, is now available after recovering from an injury.

Aleksandr Erokhin, on the other hand, was omitted from the squad to feature in the upcoming games after playing against Turkey last time out. Still, Russia is expected to field a strong starting XI with Zobnin, Gazinskiy, Kuzyaev, Cheryshev, and Dzyuba all available to compete for places.

Sweden

For Sweden, Emil Forsberg is back in the squad after missing international games with an injury. Skipper Andreas Granqvist is also available for selection after sitting out the defeats to Austria and Turkey the last time out.

The defender is expected to reunite and form a solid partnership with Manchester United's Victor Lindelof as they aim to deal with the potency of Russia's attack.

Russia vs Sweden Head-to-head stats

Russia and Sweden have been involved in 26 games in the past. The former has been victorious in nine matches, with 10 of the meetings ending in a draw. The most recent meeting between Russia and Sweden was played in Moscow in 2015 where a lone goal by Artem Dzyuba secured the win for the host.

Key Stats

  • Russia has managed just one clean sheet in their last 15 fixtures.The last came against Saudi Arabia in the first game at the World Cup

  • Russia has won three of their last five International fixtures.

  • Sweden is without a win since their World Cup campaign.

TV channels and streaming broadcast for Russia vs Sweden

  • In the US, the match will be live on ESPNEWS and ESPN3. It will also be available in Spanish on Univision Deportes En Vivo. 

  • In the UK, Russia vs Sweden will be live on SKY GO Extra, and Sky Sports Red Button. 

  • Viewers in Russia can watch on Channel One Russia, NTV+ Sport Online, and Match Premier.

  • C More Fotball, C More Play, and TV4 Sweden will show the game live in Sweden.

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Russia 0 - 0 Sweden

October 11, 2018 3:45pmStadion Kaliningrad (Kaliningrad)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

Live TV coverage and streaming in United States

ESPN3 USA
ESPN App
TUDN.com
Sport 24 Extra
ESPNEWS