' MATCH THREAD: SWEDEN V WALES EURO2016 WARM UP '

SWEDEN v WALES
International Friendly
Sunday 5th June 2016
3pm
Friends Arena in Stockholm

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Preview

Gareth Bale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are both set to feature in an eye-catching final game before the major tournament starts

Chris Coleman on Bale:
Baleo will play a part. He’s just come through 120 minutes in a victorious Champions League final and he doesn’t need 90 minutes.
I know that for sure and he won’t get it. He had that game and all the other things with the celebrating and travelling so half hour or 45 minutes will be fine.

We know that Joe Ledley and Joe Allen won’t play; they’re still being eased back from their respective injury problems.

So that means it could be a big, big opportunity for the likes of Andy King, David Vaughan and David Edwards.

If Ledley doesn’t make it for Slovakia (which of course we now hope he will), then whoever shines today could be in pole position for a spot in the big game.


All you need to know

When and where is the game?

Sweden v Wales kicks off at 3pm Sunday at the Friends Arena in Stockholm. It is the final warm-up for the two sides before Euro 2016 kicks off.

What TV channel is it on?

A more obscure one called Premier Sports. It's a pay television channel which was set up in 2009 and has the rights to this match. Channel 428 via the Sky platform.


Who's the ref?

German Tobias Welz takes charge and is assisted by fellow countrymen Thorsten Schiffner and Holger Henschel as his linesmen.


What's at stake?

Nothing in terms of the result, although a Wales win will boost morale ahead of their first Euro match versus Slovakia on Saturday.

The main thing for Wales will be to ensure there are no injuries. Heck, the last thing we need is to lose Gareth Bale or Aaron Ramsey for the Euros as a result of an injury in a meaningless friendly.

Bale returned to training after Champions League successBale returned to training after Champions League success, but Wales can't afford to lose him to injury


Why take the game then?

Well, Wales haven't played since March so they do need some sort of match experience before heading to the Euros. As it is, they have had less warm-up games than anyone. England, for example, have just come through three friendly matches before they meet Russia next weekend, then Wales on Thursday June 16.


What's the form guide?

Not particularly good for either side. Wales have won just once in six games, a 2-0 home triumph versus Andorra. Sweden have a similar record, a 3-0 friendly victory away against Finland.


What's the head to head record?

It favours the Swedes. In fact, Wales have yet to beat them, losing five times and drawing once on the six occasions the countries have previously met.


Who are the key men?

That's a simple one. The great Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Sweden, their captain, talisman and leading scorer in history with 62 goals in 112 appearances.

The even greater Gareth Bale for Wales, their talisman and leading scorer at present with 19 goals for his country.


What do the bookies say?

Sweden are favourites to win at even money, with Wales 14-5 and the draw 12-5. If you fancy Wales to win 1-0, you can get 9-1.


What can we expect?

A low key affair, with the sides intent on avoiding injury before the Euros. Sweden might sneak it by a goal, but don't be too surprised if the game ends in stalemate.

Guess the score

Post your predictions below

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I think I'd take a draw, but would be nice to get a goal or two

I cant believe bale and ramsey are starting this game .

If they get injured we may as not go to france. The welsh rugby team did the same with halfpenny and lydiate before the world cup and both got injured .

Stupid decision imo

Very tough game to end our preparations with, which is a good thing. As Coleman said, no point playing your last friendly against a team which will be easy to beat. Croatia beat San Marino 10-0 yesterday, will their manager really have learned anything from that?

Sweden team

Isaksson; Lustig, Johansson, Granqvist, Olsson; Larsson, Kallstrom, Lewicki, Forsberg; Berg, Ibrahimovic.

Wales team

Hennessey; Gunter, Chester, A Williams, Davies, Taylor; Vaughan, King, Ramsey; J Williams; Vokes.

I cant believe bale and ramsey are starting this game .

If they get injured we may as not go to france. The welsh rugby team did the same with halfpenny and lydiate before the world cup and both got injured .

Stupid decision imo

Bale is on the bench, Ramsey starts

1-0 Sweden

Forsberg.

HALF TIME: Sweden 1-0 Wales

composure of a world class player. He flicks it past Ashley Williams, waits for Emil Forsberg, rolls it across, and there was still a lot to do but it's a lovely finish.

Sweden 2-0 Wales

Lustig.

64 minutes gone and Gareth Bale comes on.

3-0 Sweden

Guidetti

FULL TIME: Sweden 3-0 Wales

I know that was a friendly and we had a few first choice players missing but that really was poor. Hope we turn up in France otherwise our 50 odd year wait will pass us by in no time.