Bahrain vs Sweden
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Today’s secondary featured game is the International Friendly in Qatar between Bahrain and Sweden.
At home, Bahrain are one of the hardest sides in Asia to beat. They’re extremely well-organised, tenacious, big, and strong. They’re not a goalscoring side, per se, but they’re more than capable of an upset with the correct motivation. They’re not at home here, of course, as the game is being played in Qatar. However, I do expect the temperature to favour them far more than it does their Scandinavian opponents as Bahrain are used to playing in heat due to the natural climate of the country. Although still developing their game, Bahrain are advancing in the football world and I’d take them seriously as opponents that are hard to break down wherever they play and that’s exactly what I intend to do here.
Opponents Sweden are favourites to win the game and I’d agree with that. However, the odds them beating a well-organised side in temperatures that this side simply are not used to are very short, in my view. Sweden have predominantly brought youngsters with a point to prove although I suppose you could argue that players such as Hult and Hysen bring experienced into this game. Young Claesson will be one to watch with the youngster having been snapped up by Allsvenskan giants Elfsborg Boras due to his pace and skill so let’s see if he can deliver at a bigger stage. The big name in Sweden’s squad is one of their most capped players of all time – Anders Svensson. Because they have the likes of him in their team I certainly wouldn’t rule out Sweden eventually finding a way past Bahrain. However, the news that Ranegie and Pekalsi have withdrawn from the squad isn’t great for Sweden as Ranegie was the best striker in the Allsvenskan last season and he was in great shape to demonstrate his abilities here. Without him, Sweden look a shade toothless in attack although Hysen can sometimes produce something special for someone other than IFK Goteborg!
So, yeah – the 1×2 market is a no go for me. However, under 2.5 goals appeals to me an awful lot here. Bahrain’s games rarely go over 2.5 goals because of the way they play and I can’t see an inexperienced Sweden side going all-out in relatively hot temperatures here. A low-scoring draw or narrow win for Sweden are the most likely outcomes but for me, the value is in taking under 2.5 goals at 4/5.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals at 4/5.
Wednesday’s Picks
As ever, if there are any explanations required then please feel free to post a comment! For the remainder of my thoughts on today’s games, see below, although I feel compelled to write that the below are not necessarily my tips but merely my thoughts to prevent endless questions about my thoughts on certain games!
International Friendlies:
Thailand vs Norway (5) 0-0
Bahrain vs Sweden (5) 0-1
Australian A-League:
Sydney FC vs Perth Glory (6) 2-1
Melbourne Heart vs Central Coast Mariners (5) 2-2
English FA Cup:
Wrexham vs Brighton & Hove Albion (5) 1-0
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Birmingham City (6) 1-0
Greek Super League:
Levadiakos vs Aris Salonika (6) 0-0
Panathinaikos vs Doxa Dramas (6) 2-1
Enjoy your free betting tips!