Sweden U21 - Portugal U21: Sides seeking semi final place as Group B draws to a close

Sweden U21 face Portugal U21 on Wednesday as the UEFA European U21 Championship group stages draw to a close, with both sides still in with a chance of progressing from Group B.

Form guide

Sweden were heavily considered as the group's underdogs, with many thinking that they would struggle to gain many points. However, they quickly put pay to that theory with an excellent victory over Italy in their first game, coming from behind to win 2-1, with 10 men.

Next up was a game against much fancied England, who really needed a win. It looked like the Swedes were going to hold out for a credible 0-0 draw, until Manchester United's Jesse Lingard struck a late winner to hand victory to The Three Lions.

The reason that England needed to beat Sweden in their second game was down to Portugal's victory in matchday one. A close game was seperated by Joao Mario's second half header, as the Portugese youngsters ran out 1-0 winners.

They couldn't repeat their winning heroics in the second game, but a 0-0 draw against Italy means that Portugal top the group going into their final game.

Key battles

The game could be won and lost in the midfield, as Sweden's direct, dynamic style looks to combat Portugal's short passing method of playing.

The highly rated William Carvalho could play a big part, as the defensive midfielder looks to mark Oscar Hiljemark out of the game. Both are important players to their teams, and having made 13 and six senior appearances respectively, will be searching to establish themselves at a level greater than this in the future.

With Sweden likely to need a victory to make the semi finals, they'll be on the attack and will be hoping for frontman John Guidetti to get on the scoresheet. The former Manchester City player equalised in the victory over Italy, and it will be the job of Liverpool's Tiago Ilori to stop him. Ilori had great succession in marking the inform Harry Kane during the win over England, and the quick centre back will be looking for a similar performance.

Permutations

Table toppers Portugal are almost through, needing at least a draw to secure qualification. However, they can still go through if they lose, providing that England and Italy draw in their fixture.

For Sweden, it's a little more difficult. Due to having the disadvantage in their head to head record - England, they need to better England's result to go ahead of them. A win would see them through, ahead of Italy.