Euro 2012 Qualifying Betting: Sweden v Hungary

Internationals / James Eastham / 02 September 2010 / Leave a Comment

Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to the international fold against Scotland last month after a self-imposed absence lasting 10 months

"The visitors are still getting used to life under new coach Sandor Egervari, who took charge of the side for the first time in their 2-1 friendly defeat at Wembley last month, while Sweden impressively beat Scotland 3-0 the same day."

Sweden have recent history on their side when they host Hungary in Solna on Saturday, writes James Eastham.

The two sides were in the same World Cup 2010 qualifying pool, and Sweden beat Hungary in both fixtures, running out 2-1 winners home and away. On that occasion, when the sides met in Solna, goals from Kim Kallstrom and Samuel Holmen earned the hosts victory, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a late winner on Hungarian soil to complete the double.

Sweden also won home and away against Hungary in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, and will be confident of getting another win this weekend. The visitors are still getting used to life under new coach Sandor Egervari, who took charge of the side for the first time in their 2-1 friendly defeat at Wembley last month, while Sweden impressively beat Scotland 3-0 the same day.

That win marked the return of Ibrahimovic to the Sweden set-up following a 10-month lay-off. He will be keen to find form quickly as he prepares for life in Italy following his loan move from Barcelona to AC Milan.

The 28-year-old striker is the star turn in a strong Sweden squad that includes experienced hands such as Kallstrom, Olof Mellberg and Christian Wilhemsson. 'Ibra' will attract most of the interest in the scorers markets, but another player to look out for is Johan Elmander, who has begun the season in excellent fashion at Bolton Wanderers.

Sweden are my recommendation, but if the [1.45] on the hosts to win is too short for you, consider backing them with a -1 start on the Asian handicap. You'll get your stakes back if they win the game by a goal, and make a profit at larger odds than you would by simply backing them to win the match if they win by two goals or more.

Recommended Bet: Sweden -1 Asian Handicap to beat Hungary @ [1.75].