Prediction: Israel vs Switzerland

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 40/85

Bookmaker: Betfair

Israel are set to play Switzerland in their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifying match, the second of four games in a span of 10 days. Due to the ongoing conflict, this particular match will be played in neutral Hungary.

Following a shocking defeat against Kosovo, Israel face a crucial scenario where anything other than a victory will significantly challenge their chances of securing automatic progression in the qualifiers. On the other hand, a win for Switzerland would see the visitors book a place at the main tournament next year.

Israel

Israel enter this crucial clash understanding the urgency of securing a win to maintain control over their destiny in the remaining two matchdays of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Their recent 1-0 loss against Kosovo in Pristina was unexpected and has added pressure on Alon Hazan’s team. They have encountered difficulties in away matches, having lost seven out of their last 11 games played outside their home country, and the fact that this match takes place in Hungary certainly won’t do them any favours.

Israel showed promise during the June and September internationals, collecting 10 points out of 12 available. However, the postponement of their October games due to safety concerns has intensified the challenge, as they now face the task of playing all remaining fixtures within a short period.

Their victories in the qualifiers so far have primarily come against teams like Belarus (twice) and Andorra, indicating their struggle against stronger opponents. Hazan’s side aims to qualify for the Euros for the first time since their appearance in the 1970 World Cup, which remains one of their rare major tournament participations.

Although another defeat against a top-seeded team would not definitively end their progression hopes, it would place them five points behind Romania. The two sides will meet on matchday nine and Israel would require a victory, alongside a favorable result from Switzerland against Romania in a later fixture. Israel must also secure a win against Andorra to keep their hopes alive.

Team News

Roy Revivo received a red card during injury time in the previous match against Kosovo, rendering him ineligible for the upcoming fixture. Additionally, Sagiv Yehezkel’s first-half injury is a significant setback, especially considering his recent impressive performances for Antalyaspor.

In the previous game, Gabi Kanichowsky replaced Yehezkel, leading to Eran Zahavi’s shift upfront. A similar tactical adjustment may be considered for the upcoming match.

Moreover, Israel will miss the presence of Manor Solomon, who is recovering from an injury that is expected to keep him out for the remainder of 2023. Liel Abada from Celtic is also currently sidelined, further impacting Israel’s available squad options for the upcoming fixture.

Switzerland

For Switzerland, the objective is straightforward – a victory in this match secures their place in the upcoming Euro finals held in neighboring Germany next year.

However, despite this seemingly simple task, their journey through the qualifying section has been notably underwhelming, finding themselves second to Romania by a point, though with a game in hand.

A defeat in this match could significantly jeopardize Switzerland’s chances of automatic qualification. Throughout the campaign, they’ve faced setbacks, notably relinquishing leads in crucial moments. Conceding injury-time goals against Romania and Kosovo resulted in dropped points, while an almost shocking loss against Belarus, where they salvaged a draw despite being 3-1 down in the 89th minute, highlighted their struggles.

Switzerland have an impressive record of consistently qualifying for major tournaments over the past two decades, Euro 2012 aside. But despite their history, their current qualifying campaign has been challenging.

With three matches left, they still have a chance to secure their spot outright. However, a defeat might force their qualification hopes to hinge on the final matchday against Romania, adding pressure on manager Murat Yakin, who might face increased scrutiny from a nation uncertain about his leadership.

Team News

Yakin will benefit from the return of goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who was previously sidelined due to injury during the October break. Additionally, Eray Comert and Filip Ugrinic have rejoined the squad, providing reinforcements.

However, the Swiss team faces several key absences due to injuries, including Djibril Sow, Jordan Lotomba, and Breel Embolo. Moreover, Haris Seferovic, Steven Zuber, and Silvan Widmer remain excluded from the squad.

Despite these absences, Switzerland can rely on the presence of key players such as Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji, who are expected to play prominent roles in the match. Their quality and experience will be crucial for Switzerland’s chances and all three are likely to feature in the starting lineup.

Conclusion

The encounters between these nations during the 2006 and 2010 World Cup qualifiers resulted in four draws, but Switzerland’s 3-0 victory against Israel in Geneva in March demonstrated their superiority over their opponents. The circumstances in which the match is being played will increase the difficulty level for Israel, and the defeat to Kosovo will have dented their confidence, making the Swiss big favourites to win.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 40/85

Bookmaker: Betfair