Romania have lost all three matches, while Sweden lead the group: prediction for Romania — Sweden
The UEFA Nations League fourth-round match between Romania and Sweden will take place on October 5 at the Arena Națională in Bucharest. Romania have lost all three of their matches and remain without a point, while Sweden have collected seven points and sit top of the group.
Romania: three defeats and six goals conceded against Poland
Gheorghe Hagi’s side began the tournament with a 2-1 defeat by Sweden, then suffered a 4-2 home loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina before being thrashed 6-0 by Poland in the previous round. Radu Drăgușin’s first-half sending-off seriously complicated that match.
Drăgușin will now miss the game through suspension, as will Virgil Ghiță, who picked up too many yellow cards. Hagi will have to reshuffle his central defence, which is particularly problematic ahead of a clash with one of the group’s most prolific teams.
Sweden: seven points and Gyökeres’ scoring streak
Graham Potter’s team opened with a 2-1 win over Romania, then beat Poland 3-1 before drawing 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica. Sweden remain unbeaten and continue to lead the group.
Viktor Gyökeres will once again be the main threat. His goal against Bosnia made the striker the first player to score in six consecutive Nations League matches. However, Sweden’s defence remains vulnerable — Potter’s side have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last 13 matches.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Romania have lost all three of their matches in the current Nations League campaign.
- Sweden have collected seven points and won four of their last five meetings with Romania.
- Viktor Gyökeres has scored in six consecutive Nations League matches.
- At least 3 goals were scored in regular time in 8 of Sweden’s last 9 away matches in the Nations League
Romania’s defensive problems could decide the outcome: prediction for Romania — Sweden
Romania will be looking to bounce back from their heavy defeat by Poland and should be capable of creating chances at home. Sweden have also been conceding regularly under Potter and have gone 13 consecutive matches without keeping a clean sheet.
However, the hosts’ defensive absences in the centre of defence look too serious to ignore, especially given Gyökeres’ form and Sweden’s consistent attacking output. The visitors head into the clash in significantly better shape and have a strong chance of retaining top spot.
