Netherlands vs Sweden lineups: Confirmed team news, predicted XIs, injury latest for World Cup | OneFootball

Ronald Koeman could make one change as Netherlands aim to improve on Japan draw

Ronald Koeman has no fresh injury concerns ahead of a crucial World Cup fixture for the Netherlands against Sweden this weekend.

The Dutch were held a draw by Japan in their opening game at this summer’s expanded tournament, despite twice taking the lead through captain Virgil van Dijk and West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville.

Koeman came in for some criticism over his substitutions in the second half, most notably changing to a back five in an attempt to hold on to a 2-1 lead.

Even though those decisions backfired spectacularly as Japan equalised in the 89th minute, Koeman - in the post-match press conference - defended his tactics.

He said: "There was also a problem with pressure on the flanks. So if you look at the game, both goals, well, we didn't defend well.

"Football is a funny game because, after Japan scored the second goal, they started defending as well. So we could have scored a third goal. So I don't regret my choices."

While failure to beat Sweden would not signal an early exit for Netherlands, Koeman is expected to start with an attacking line-up in search of a win that would take them above their opponents in Group F.

As such, the one change could come up front with all-time record scorer Memphis Depay replacing Donyell Malen after recovering from a thigh injury to make a substitute appearance against Japan.

Sweden, meanwhile, are set to be unchanged from their 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia. This would mean Graham Potter keeping faith in Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres as a twin strike partnership.

Fearsome duo: Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres

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The Liverpool and Arsenal stars scored and assisted each other on matchday one, but a tougher test awaits with Isak set to come up against his club team-mate Van Dijk and new Tottenham signing Jan Paul van Hecke.

Gabriel Gudmundsson was forced off against Tunisia but the issue is not thought to be serious and he will be tasked with keeping Summerville quiet.

Spurs’ talented midfielder Lucas Bergvall is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench once again, after Yasin Ayari’s goalscoring display in Mexico.

Predicted Sweden XI: Nordfelt; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelof; Bernhardsson, Nygren, Karlstrom, Ayari, Gudmundsson; Isak, Gyokeres

Doubt: Gudmundsson