Euro 2022 Tips: Sweden to star on day four

Netherlands v Sweden
Bramall Lane, 20:00
Live on BBC One

Sweden to sink the Dutch

This is the game I am most looking forward to in the group stages. Reigning champions Netherlands are currently 5/1 to retain their title but Sweden, for me, come into the tournament as the stronger and more complete outfit.

Mark Parsons took charge after Sarina Wiegman departed to take over as England head coach.
One of the main issues he finds himself with, that was most certainly evident in their warm-up match against England, is the vulnerabilities of their defence.

Following Wiegman must be as tough an act to follow as replacing a Chuckle Brother would be but in Vivianne Miedema they will always have someone who can pose a threat.

Miedema will always be a threat

Miedema is of course a shining light in this Netherlands side and is 13/8 to score anytime against the Swedes.

Sweden may not have such a star or stand out player and one of the most impressive attributes of their squad is that the majority of players play their best stuff at international level (not dissimilar to the Wales men's squad, especially at Euro 2016) but they are blessed with experience and talent throughout the side and in Johanna Rytting Kaneryd have a player who has speed, agility and an eye for goal, the BK Hacken midfielder is 4/1 to score anytime on Saturday night.

Portugal v Switzerland
Leigh Sports Village, 17:00
Live on BBC Two

Progress is the priority for Portugal

Having qualified for Euro 2022 due to the expulsion of Russia, manager Francisco Neto has said in the build up to this match that he would gladly forego the nation's place at the tournament if it meant there could be world peace and an end to people's suffering in Ukraine.

Portugal finished second in their qualifying group but lost their resulting play-off match against the Russians.

Their rise up the rankings over recent years is a great source of encouragement and I do feel that by using this tournament to aid their development and continue their progression as opposed to focusing on where they finish and getting out of their group, it could allow them to play with a freedom that could make them exciting to watch this summer.

Jessica Silva became the first Portuguese player to win the Women's Champions League during the 2019-20 campaign and while she wasn't a key figure during her time at Lyon, this could be her time to shine. She missed Portugal's maiden appearance at a European Championship in 2017 but having been involved in big occasions and around camps competing for titles at the business end of seasons, her experience could be invaluable.

As for their opponents Switzerland, their preparations for this tournament haven't exactly gone to plan.

Against Germany they conceded seven without reply and to England they lost 4-0. Granted they were facing two of the strong favourites to go all the way this summer but it's the lack of .a cutting edge that could be a huge concern.

In the first half against England, they played with pride and put in a gritty defensive display but once the deadlock was broken, they crumbled.

If they are to have any chance of progressing past the group stage you feel they simply must pick up three points in their opener against a Portugal side who have qualified for the tournament due to the expulsion of Russia.

Switzerland are 17/20 to get the win in their opener and I think that's the most likely outcome.