Michael O’Neill tasks his Northern Ireland side with stopping Alexander Isak
Michael O’Neill wants Northern Ireland to achieve something very few Premier League teams have managed this season – keep Alexander Isak quiet.
Newcastle striker Isak has been in red-hot form this term with 19 league goals as well as the clincher in last week’s historic Carabao Cup final success against Liverpool.
“We have our system of play and we will talk about that,” said boss O’Neill.
“He is a player we know well because he is much talked about in the UK and a fantastic player but I think it’s how we handle him as a team.
“I also think his role within the Sweden team is different to how he plays for Newcastle.
O’Neill is anticipating a Swedish backlash after they suffered a shock 1-0 friendly defeat in Luxembourg on Saturday.
“I would expect that,” he added. “The perception that going to Luxembourg and that it will be a straightforward game is a misconception because they are a very improved nation.
“As a manager you probably try things in these games and it may or may not come off for you.
“We would expect Sweden playing at home to want to put on a strong performance and strong display and we have to be ready to deal with that.”
O’Neill, who confirmed Northern Ireland have arranged another friendly against Denmark in June, will be without Sunderland defender Trai Hume, who aggravated a hip injury in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland. Shea Charles will captain the side again.
Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson is in need of a positive result after the Luxembourg defeat which was dubbed a “fiasco” by local media.
“I was disappointed and so were the players,” said the former Newcastle forward and ex-Blackburn manager.
Victor Lindelof will start for the hosts with the Manchester United centre-back unsure about his club future.
The 30-year-old, who will be out of contract at the end of the season, said: “I’m very comfortable in United.
“I’ve been there for a long time and it’s the world’s best league. I’ll have to talk to everyone involved going forward.”