Women's Euro 2022 predictions: Sweden and Netherlands eye victories

The second round of matches in Group C takes place tonight when Sweden and Switzerland clash at Bramall Lane before reigning European champions Netherlands play Portugal.

After both of Saturday's opening clashes in the group ended all square, all four countries have the chance to take control of their Women's Euro 2022 group with a victory.

Sweden vs Switzerland (Wednesday, 5pm BST)

Sweden were among the favourites to win the tournament before it began and they impressed for large parts against the Netherlands in Sheffield, deservedly taking the lead in the first half through Jonna Andersson before Jill Roord equalised after the break.

In the end, there was little to separate two of the more fancied teams in attendance at the Euros and Sweden should now further underline their credentials and class with a win over the Swiss.

Team news

Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson must decide whether to start with Stina Blackstenius after she stepped up her return from injury by coming on as a substitute against the Dutch.

If she only makes the bench, then the favourites could be unchanged and will probably start with a dangerous front three of Kosovare Asllani, Fridolina Rolfo and Lina Hurtig.

Switzerland's preparations for the tie have been hit by at least eight players suffering with a stomach bug in the build-up.

The issue meant training was cancelled on Monday but reports suggest all those affected may well recover in time to face the Swedes.

Lara Marti came off the bench in the Swiss' first game so she is among the players who will be pushing for a start.

The stats

Sweden were beaten in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Netherlands at Euro 2017, while the Swiss were eliminated at the group stage.

The Swedes have been dominant down the years in this fixture — in eight previous meetings, they have won seven times and six of those victories have been to nil.

Switzerland's only success was a shock 3-1 friendly win in 2015 and the last time they locked horns it ended in a comfortable 4-1 win for the Swedes in February 2019.

Sweden are on a 13-game unbeaten run, winning 11 heading into this clash, while Switzerland have not won any of their last seven matches.

Prediction

Anything other than a Sweden win is difficult to envisage as one of the tournament favourites takes on a willing, but limited, Swiss side.

Taking into account form and the fact Switzerland have had illness in their camp this week, it should be a fairly comfortable evening for Sweden.

A win to nil would not be a surprise considering that has been the outcome in six of their previous eight meetings.

Netherlands vs Portugal (Wednesday, 8pm BST)

The Netherlands were tested by Sweden in their opener but this should be a much more straightforward evening in Leigh for the current European champions and team ranked fourth in the world.

Portugal were spirited when coming back from 2-0 down to claim a draw with Switzerland but they remain outsiders to progress from a tough group and it would be a major shock if they get anything out of this clash.

Team news

Netherlands goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal will miss the rest of the tournament with a shoulder injury.

Daphne van Domselaar is set to replace her in goal, while defender Aniek Nouwen is a major doubt after she was also forced off in the first game.

Marisa Olislagers is on standby to replace Nouwen at the back if she is ruled out.

Portugal are set to be unchanged with Ana Borges and Jessica Silva set to operate furthest forward again, with Diana Silva tucked in behind.

The stats

The Dutch have lost just one of their last six games, a 5-1 friendly defeat to tournament hosts England last month. 

But their form overall is not as good as some of the perceived tournament contenders, winning just five of their last 10 matches.

Portugal are unbeaten in five matches, winning three and Francisco Neto's side have hit an impressive 11 goals in that run.

Mark Parsons' Netherlands have won all four of the previous meetings, although they have not played each other since 2014 when the Dutch ran out 3-2 winners.

Prediction

A comfortable win for the Netherlands seems likely, with plenty of fans expected to be decked out in the famous orange cheering them on.

However, Portugal have been among the goals of late and do carry some threat going forward so there could be action at both ends.