Ukraine v Sweden: Swedes can upset co-hosts in Group D

The two other sides in England’s group will do battle in Kiev, as co-hosts Ukraine commence their European campaign as a 6/4 shot to defeat Sweden.

The omens don’t look good for the Ukrainians as the last three host nations have lost their opening games in the Euros.

Sweden on the other hand qualified well, winning eight of their 10 qualifiers, and finishing second to a strong Netherlands side, making them good value to take the three points at 2/1.

Erik Hamren’s men have also won their last two opening fixtures at the Euros with a 5-0 and a 2-0 win at the 2004 and 2008 competitions.

However, past meetings between these two teams have seen an even spread of results, with a win each and a draw in the three contests, so getting behind a tie here at 21/10 may be worth some attention.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the obvious goal-threat for Sweden, and he bagged five in qualifying, making him 6/1 to break the deadlock.

Sebastian Larsson looks a good outside bet for the Swedes, thanks to his set piece ability and that may be worth a punt at 14/1.

The hosts are still heavily reliant on the ageing Andriy Shevchenko who has 46 goals in his international career, and the former Chelsea man is 8/1 to be first on the score sheet.

Sweden were prolific in qualifying and scored in each of their group games, netting more than once in eight of those 10 fixtures, so backing them to score 2-3 goals at 9/4 should be consider.

Pairing star man Ibrahimovic with a Sweden win at 10/3 looks the pick in this early match-up considering his prowess in front of goal and Sweden’s qualifying form.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.