On the face of it, giving the nod to a striker who has scored zero goals in 11 international appearances seems an odd choice ahead of such an important match, but confidence remains high that it's only a matter of time before Schroder breaks her international duck.
And why not? Given that the 19-year-old has scored eight goals in eight games since joining Real Madrid for a potential world record fee for a female player, having taken Hacken to the UEFA Women's Europa Cup crown last season.
Sweden play Lithuania in Kaunas in the first leg of their play-off round one tie before the second leg in Solna on 13th October. The winners will face either Czech Republic or Scotland in November/December in round two, most likely for a place at the World Cup, but at least for an intercontinental play-off place.
Schroder reflected that while she would have preferred to score in national team colours before now, it is her aim to do so in these play-offs: "Of course, it would have been fun if I’d managed to get off the mark. I try to contribute as much as possible, whether it’s with goals, assists or lots of runs.
"But of course it would have been great fun. That’s what I’m striving for now," said the teenager.
So often lethal in the centre-forward position, that is where she feels most at home, mainly for the simplicity of the role: "The number nine role is where I feel most comfortable. You don’t have to think too much. As a player, I shouldn’t think too much."
As for getting the most out of Schroder, coach Gustafsson is also taking the simple approach.
"The easiest way to get Felicia to score her first goal for the national team is to tell her, 'Just go for it.' She’s in incredibly good shape now, so she should be given the same role she has at Real Madrid. She should be able to play the same way here as she does there," he said.
Sweden have welcomed Nathalie Bjorn back after a long injury absence to bolster their defence, while Smilla Holmberg suffered a sprained foot on Tuesday but Gustafsson remained "optimistic" that the defender can play: "Everyone is available," he added.