If the Swedes don’t improve, then I can see Brennan and Diggins going 2, 3 behind Johaug. The Finns and Russians are a little bit better in classic, although you never know, the Finns have had excellent skis so far and are in form. Sorina could potentially challenge, Nepryaeva is an outside shot but a long distance skate race is her weakest event. Rygalina is a bit of a joker, she doesn’t have experience, but in long distances she’s dangerous. She finished 8th in the skiathlon and had the third fastest skate time, only 13 seconds behind Diggins. She can certainly finish in the top 10 again, and could be much closer to a medal than most realize. Stadlober could very easily get into the top 3 again. The long hills suit her well.
No other team has serious contenders for that race, so the result sheet will look somewhat similar to the skiathlon with a couple changes.