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Potter Opens Sweden Stint Against Switzerland With Playoffs the Target

He prioritizes a mental reset to steady performances before a likely March playoff bid.

Overview

  • Sweden sit bottom of their group with one point from four games, making direct qualification impossible.
  • Appointed on October 20 on a short-term deal, Graham Potter takes charge for the first time away to group leader Switzerland on Saturday.
  • Switzerland can clinch a World Cup spot with a win, heightening the stakes for Potter’s debut.
  • Alexander Isak is fit and available, though Potter says he cannot play two full matches in quick succession and must be managed across the Switzerland and Slovenia fixtures.
  • Viktor Gyökeres is out with a muscular issue, with Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall also unavailable, as Sweden eye entry to March’s European playoffs via their Nations League standing with a 16-team draw scheduled Thursday in Zurich.