Netherlands and Sweden meet at NRG Stadium in Houston at 20:00 GMT+3 in this World Cup Group F fixture.
Sweden opened the tournament with a 5-1 win over Tunisia, and another game with goals at both ends could make the headlines.
Below is the full match preview, predictions and betting analysis.
Netherlands vs Sweden Tips
- Netherlands vs Sweden: Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Match Goals @ with N/A
- Netherlands vs Sweden: Cody Gakpo To Score Anytime @ with N/A
*Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Netherlands vs Sweden Odds
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | |
| Draw | |
| Sweden |
*Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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Netherlands vs Sweden Predictions
Two defences still searching for answers
Group F carries extra weight at this stage because first place moves one step closer to avoiding a potential last-32 meeting with Brazil. That tournament angle gives this fixture added importance, but the strongest evidence still sits around goals rather than the match result.
The Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan in their opener. Ronald Koeman's side produced a much stronger second-half display and restricted Japan for long spells, yet two lapses in concentration cost them victory. Clean sheets remain a problem. The Oranje have now gone five matches without one, while both teams have scored in four of their last five games.
Sweden arrive with momentum after their 5-1 victory over Tunisia. Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak both scored and assisted in that game, but defensive concerns remain in place. Sweden have failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 consecutive matches, with their last shutout coming in a 2-0 win over Hungary more than a year ago. Each of their last seven fixtures has seen both teams score.
Yet the attacking names on both sides are difficult to ignore. Gyokeres and Isak carry Sweden's threat, while Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen and Crysencio Summerville give the Netherlands plenty of firepower. A lively contest with chances at both ends would fit the recent numbers.
Four of the Netherlands' last five matches and each of Sweden's last seven have produced goals for both teams. A bet on Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals appeals at 1.95.
Tip: Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Match Goals @ with N/A
Gakpo remains the focal point
Cody Gakpo is the standout player angle in this market. The Netherlands forward scored in all three group-stage matches at the 2022 World Cup before the Oranje exited in the quarter-finals, giving him three World Cup goals from six tournament appearances.
His club numbers have been quieter. Gakpo scored nine goals in 52 games for Liverpool last season, although his overall return stands at 50 goals in 180 appearances for the club. Against Japan he still looked heavily involved, registering two shots, one effort on target and 48 touches, the highest total among the Netherlands front three.
There is also a clear role factor here. Gakpo appears set to remain the central figure in the Dutch attack, and that volume of involvement is often the key detail in anytime goalscorer markets.
Sweden's defensive record provides another relevant piece of the picture. Twelve matches without a clean sheet is a long sequence, even if their attacking display against Tunisia grabbed most of the attention. Gakpo has already shown he can deliver on this stage, and the odds on him finding a fourth World Cup goal are a nice price at 2.50.
Tip: Cody Gakpo To Score Anytime @ with N/A