Gudmundsson expects a fight as Sweden face Bosnia, with Leeds shirt swap planned

Leeds United defender Gabriel Gudmundsson expects a “fight” when Sweden face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday night, and he and Leeds team-mate Tarik Muharemović plan to swap shirts afterwards, according to an interview on the club website.

Gabriel Gudmundsson on facing Muharemović

Sweden travel to Bilino Polje in Zenica for the Nations League tie on the back of two wins. Gudmundsson was a substitute against Romania and started the win over Poland. Meanwhile, Bosnia drew with Poland and beat Romania, with Muharemović starting both games and scoring a header in the latter.

“It’ll be nice to see Tarik in Bosnia on Friday,” Gabriel Gudmundsson said. “We know that Bosnia is a very stable and decent team… It’s going to be a fight.” On the shirt swap he added: “We talked about swapping shirts, it’ll be something fun.”

Elland Road’s East Stand. Photo: Lufc83, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Gabriel Gudmundsson is one of several Leeds players away with their countries during the break. Ethan Ampadu started as Wales beat Norway 2-1 for a first League A win. For Gabriel Gudmundsson, the focus is Friday night in Zenica, where Sweden need a result to keep pace.

Dzeko’s farewell adds to the occasion

However, the game will be a special one for the hosts. Edin Džeko is set to make his last appearance for Bosnia and Herzegovina, nearly 20 years after his debut, with record tallies of 151 caps and 73 goals, the club says. Because Bosnia lead Group B4, the hosts have a lot to play for. They host Gabriel Gudmundsson’s Sweden, who also want a result, with a place in Group A and EURO 2028 qualification potentially at stake.

Gabriel Gudmundsson and Muharemović will be on opposite sides of the pitch in Zenica, with Leeds bragging rights at stake. Sweden and Bosnia meet again in Solna in November. Gabriel Gudmundsson hopes to have the upper hand by then, along with a game-worn Muharemović shirt. Read the full Leeds United interview.