Slovakia U20 vs Sweden U20: betting odds December 26, 2024

The Matchday 1 clash of the 2025 World Junior Championship between Slovakia and Sweden will take place on December 26 at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa. Slovakia vs. Sweden: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Slovakia

In the last World Junior Championship, Slovakia had a successful group stage, finishing second in Group B, just two points behind the USA. However, their journey ended in the quarter-finals, losing to Finland in overtime (3-4). Slovakia reached this stage for the second consecutive time, losing both times only in extra time. Historically, Slovakia has claimed a medal just once at the World Juniors, winning bronze in 2015.

One to watch in the squad is Dalibor Dvorsky, for whom this tournament will be his fourth. At the last World Juniors, the forward was one of Slovakia's top scorers, earning 6 points in five games (3+3), and he currently leads all rookies in the AHL in scoring. Another standout is Peter Cisar, who has tallied 20 points in 23 games (6+14) for Fargo this season. This will be his second World Junior Championship.

• Slovakia has scored at least two goals in regulation time in their last four head-to-head meetings at the World Juniors.
• The team has not lost in regulation time in 8 of their last 9 games in this tournament (5 wins, 3 draws).
• At least six goals have been scored in regulation time in 6 of Slovakia's last 7 World Junior matches.

Sweden

Sweden topped the group stage in the last home World Juniors and reached the final, but lost to the USA (2-6). Notably, the last time Sweden won at this stage was in 2012, and in the last five years, they have claimed medals three times – two bronzes and one silver.

For the upcoming World Juniors, keep an eye on Axel Sandin-Pelikka, who will be participating for the third time and could become one of the most prolific defensemen in the tournament. This season, he has scored 22 points in 25 games (8+14) for Skellefteå. Also noteworthy is Otto Stenberg, who had a productive last World Juniors, earning 9 points in seven games (5+4).

• Sweden has scored at least five goals in regulation time in 7 of their last 9 head-to-head meetings at the World Juniors.
• No more than seven goals have been scored in 60 minutes in 5 of Sweden's last 7 games in this tournament.
• Sweden has conceded no more than two goals in regulation time in 5 of their last 7 World Junior matches.

Slovakia vs. Sweden: Match Prediction

Slovakia, the first opponent for Sweden in the tournament, is not to be underestimated. In recent years, Slovakia has maximized their potential and can challenge any team. However, Sweden is rightly favored in this opening match, which should not pose a significant challenge for them. Sweden boasts a strong defense and often performs convincingly in the group stage with few lapses. Additionally, Sweden will be motivated after their disappointing loss in the final of the last home World Juniors.

In head-to-head matchups, Sweden has rarely struggled against Slovakia, winning by at least three goals in 6 of their last 8 encounters at the World Juniors. Slovakia has found it difficult to showcase their full attacking potential due to Sweden's solid defensive play, which will be a key strength for Sweden in the upcoming tournament. Sweden is not a team that takes long to get going, and I expect them to secure maximum points in the first match, likely with a convincing scoreline.

My prediction: Sweden with a handicap of (-2.5)