Amar Dedic reveals Newcastle United teammate talks ahead of crucial meeting
Newcastle United duo Amar Dedic and Anthony Elanga will face each other tonight in the Nations League.
Two Newcastle United teammates will find themselves on opposite sides this weekend when Sweden host Bosnia and Herzegovina in a crucial UEFA Nations League encounter on Saturday evening.
Magpies defender Amar Dedic is part of the Bosnia squad preparing for the trip to Solna, where he could make his 32nd senior international appearance. The summer arrival from Benfica made his Bosnia debut back in March 2022, coming off the bench during a 1-0 victory over Luxembourg.
Having attracted attention for his recent celebrations, Dedic will be hoping to make an impact on the pitch as Bosnia look to continue their impressive Nations League campaign.
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The visitors have enjoyed a strong run of results in Group H, securing victories over Romania and Poland alongside draws against the Poles and Sweden.
However, Dedic will face a familiar opponent this weekend, with Newcastle teammate Anthony Elanga expected to feature for the Swedish national side.
Both players were absent through injury when the two countries played out a 1-1 draw last month. Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres had put Sweden ahead on that occasion before Juventus winger Kerim Alajbegović earned Bosnia a share of the points.
The Newcastle pair have since been recovering from their respective injury setbacks and are now back in contention to represent their countries in Saturday's clash.
Nations League battle
There is plenty riding on the contest beyond the prospect of two Newcastle players facing each other.
Bosnia head into the fixture knowing that victory would take them above Sweden and into first place in Group H with just one round of matches remaining.
Dedic's side would then have the opportunity to secure top spot on home soil against Romania in their final group fixture.
For Sweden, avoiding defeat would leave them in control of their promotion ambitions ahead of Tuesday's trip to Poland.
With both nations competing to finish at the summit of the group, the meeting promises to be a fiercely contested affair.
Amar Dedic reveals Anthony Elanga talks ahead of Sweden clash
Despite preparing to become international opponents, Dedic and Elanga have maintained their close connection away from Newcastle.
The pair have regularly operated together down the right flank under Magpies head coach Matthias Jaissle, and Dedic confirmed they had already discussed the upcoming international meeting before departing Tyneside.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, the Bosnia international revealed both players are relishing the prospect of going head-to-head.
"Of course, we spoke before coming here. We are in regular contact anyway. He is looking forward to the match just as much as we are, and it should be a good contest. Both of us cannot wait for it."