Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
Finland
Sweden
On Monday, May 11, we’re in for one of the classic ice hockey showdowns at the World Championship as Sweden takes on Finland. The puck drops at 20:20 Central European Time, and I’ve got a betting tip for this clash.
Finland vs Sweden: Match preview and head-to-head
Finland didn’t have the best run-up to the tournament, losing all three of their exhibition games and conceding at least four goals in each. However, their World Championship campaign started on a positive note—Suomi edged Austria 2-1 to secure a crucial three points in a tough group where every game is a battle for a playoff spot.
Sweden, one of the hosts of this year’s World Championship, have already played two games. Tre Kronor made a confident start, blanking Slovakia 5-0. Their second game was against Austria, and it was a real test—the Austrians led with eight minutes left, but Sweden showed their mettle, scoring three goals in as many minutes to win 4-2.
Both Finland and Sweden find themselves in a difficult group, which also features France, Slovakia, Austria, Slovenia, Latvia, and Canada. Every point is worth its weight in gold in the race for the quarterfinals.
Match facts and head-to-head history
- Sweden have won their last five games, netting at least four goals in four of them.
- Finland have managed just one victory in their last four outings.
- In their most recent head-to-head, a friendly, Sweden cruised to a 6-2 win. However, in their last official meeting at the Four Nations Tournament, Finland came out on top 4-3 in overtime.
Prediction
Finland vs Sweden is a hockey classic—a fiercely contested rivalry. Expect fireworks and a real battle on the ice. I’m betting on a total over 4 goals at odds of 1.51.
