Sweden Women v USA Women Prediction: Swedes look set to end USA reign

Sweden and holders the USA will be hoping to become the fourth team to book their place in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals when they meet at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 10:00).

The Swedes stormed their way to the top of Group G with three victories, including a 5-0 success over Italy, while the Americans beat Vietnam but drew with the Netherlands and Portugal to finish runners-up in Group E.

Team news

Sweden manager Peter Gerhardsson made a series of changes for his side’s 2-0 win over Argentina in their final group game, so we should see more of a first-choice line-up in Melbourne.

Arsenal striker Emma Blackstenius and Barcelona forward Fridolina Rolfo are just two players who are expected to return to the starting XI.

The Americans will have to reshuffle their midfield after the influential Rose Lavelle picked up her second yellow card of the tournament in the goalless draw against Portugal. Savannah DeMelo of Racing Louisville is expected to deputise.

Sweden to win the match @ 9/4

There is little escaping the fact that defending champions the USA have had an underwhelming group stage at the Women’s World Cup and while there is a chance they can switch on the gas now we have reached the knockout stage, they face a huge test against Sweden.

The USWNT drew with the Netherlands, the team they beat in the final in France four years ago, but a goalless draw against Portugal was a poor result and they may not pick themselves up.

Sweden are going to fancy their chances after gaining a maximum return from their Group G matches against South Africa, Italy and Argentina, conceding just one goal in the process.

Confidence will be flowing through the team who claimed third place at the last World Cup and this is a great opportunity for a team who have lost just three of their last 28 games to really make their mark.

Amanda Ilestedt to score at any time @ 12/1

The Swedes have scored nine goals in their three Women’s World Cup matches, but they have been particularly strong at set-pieces.

Blackstenius and Rolfo were both on target in the 5-0 win over Italy, but central defender Amanda Ilestedt was on hand to score twice with headers in that clash and she was also on the mark in their opening 2-1 win over Sweden.

The Americans could struggle to cope with their opponents’ ability from corners and crosses, so the centre-half, who recently joined Arsenal from Paris Saint-Germain, is a big price to be on the mark again at 12/1.