Group F throws up one of the standout games of the second round as Netherlands take on Sweden in Houston. Both sides served up entertaining openers with the Dutch drawing 2-2 against Japan and Sweden smashing five past Tunisia in their best World Cup scoring display in nearly 90 years.Neither defence entirely convinced but both attacks certainly did. This has all the makings of a brilliant game and while Sweden arrive full of confidence, I still think the Netherlands have the greater quality when it matters.I’m expecting goals at both ends and I’m backing Oranje to edge it. Sweden hammered Tunisia 5-1 while the Dutch were left frustrated conceding a late equaliser against Japan, so both teams know the importance of getting a result.Here are my three tips for the game:Netherlands to win and both teams to score – 5/2 with Sky BetCody Gakpo to score anytime – 15/8 with Paddy PowerCorrect score 3-1 Netherlands – 14/1 with bet365Netherlands vs Sweden head-to-head overviewDate: Saturday 20 June 2026Kick-off: 5pm BSTVenue: Houston Stadium, HoustonWhere to watch: BBC One / BBC iPlayerReferee: TBCLast meeting: Netherlands 2-2 Sweden (Nations League, 2024)Favourite to win: Netherlands (around 8/11)Netherlands vs Sweden predicted lineupsRonald Koeman is expected to stick with the majority of the side that drew with Japan, while Sweden have little reason to make changes after putting five past Tunisia.Netherlands will be without Quinten Timber after he suffered a concussion in training.Netherlands (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, De Vrij, Ake; De Jong, Reijnders, Koopmeiners; Simons, Gakpo, SummervilleSweden (3-4-1-2): Olsen; Hien, Lindelof, Starfelt; Holm, Cajuste, Ayari, Gudmundsson; Kulusevski; Isak, GyokeresNetherlands vs Sweden predictionsThe Dutch were probably the better side against Japan but they’ll still be disappointed not to have taken all three points. Leading late on and then conceding in the 89th minute is always a tough one to take, especially in a group that looks this competitive.The positive is they still created chances and looked dangerous going forward. Gakpo, Simons and Summerville all caused problems and I actually think this game could suit them a bit more.Sweden were one of the stories of the opening round. Five goals against Tunisia grabbed the headlines, but it was the manner of the performance that impressed me most.Isak and Gyokeres looked a nightmare pairing to deal with and they got support from all over the pitch. The question now is whether they can repeat that against a much stronger opponent and we don’t have long to find out.I don’t see either side changing their approach too much. Sweden are full of confidence after scoring five and the Netherlands know they need to be more proactive after letting victory slip against Japan. That should make for a really open game.Both teams have enough quality to score, but I just trust the Dutch a little more in the key moments. I’m expecting chances at both ends and I’m calling it 3-1 Netherlands.Netherlands vs Sweden betting tipsHere are my three bets for the game.Goals at both ends in HoustonEverything about this game points towards goals. Sweden scored five in their opener, the Netherlands conceded twice against Japan and neither side will be particularly happy settling for a draw.The attacking talent on show is frightening and I can see both teams creating plenty of opportunities. I’m backing Netherlands to win and both teams to score at 5/2 with Sky Bet Gakpo to step upThe Dutch need a big performance after failing to close out the win against Japan and Cody Gakpo is usually the man they look towards when they need inspiration.He remains one of their biggest goal threats and against a Sweden side likely to commit players forward, there should be space for him to exploit. Bet on Cody Gakpo to score anytime at 15/8 with Paddy Power A game that lives up to the hypeThe more I look at this fixture, the more I struggle to see it being cagey.Sweden won’t suddenly abandon what’s worked for them and the Netherlands need to be positive after dropping points on matchday one. That should lead to chances and I think the Dutch eventually have enough quality to pull away. Bet on the correct score 3-1 Netherlands at 14/1 with bet365 Netherlands vs Sweden latest oddsFind the latest Netherlands vs Sweden betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.World Cup 2026 predictionsI’ve got plenty more predictions covering World Cup 2026 and there are tips and previews for every game.Find more predictions and betting tips from our expert punters in our match preview overview.Important historical facts about Netherlands and Sweden for bettingSweden scored five goals in their opening 5-1 win over Tunisia, their highest tally in a World Cup match since 1938.Netherlands were held to a 2-2 draw by Japan after conceding a late equaliser.Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres both scored in Sweden’s opener and remain their biggest attacking threats.The Dutch remain unbeaten in World Cup qualifying and are still among the favourites to progress from Group F.Quinten Timber will miss the game after suffering a concussion in training.The winner will take a huge step towards qualification from what has quickly become one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.World Cup 2026: More from talkSPORTWorld Cup 2026 Betting offersWorld Cup 2026 Betting tips and predictionsWorld Cup 2026 AI predictionsWorld Cup 2026 Betting guideWorld Cup 2026 Top goalscorer oddsEngland to win World Cup 2026 oddsWorld Cup 2026: Best young player oddsAbout the authorDave PotterDave Potter is the founder of GYTO and has a huge following on X. 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