Prediction: Switzerland vs Serbia

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what is a real must-win Nations League showdown on Friday night, Switzerland will welcome Serbia to Zurich.

Switzerland

Starting with the hosts, while Switzerland might have sprung a EURO 24 heartbreak over the summer as they booked a quarter-final spot, Murat Yakin’s men have failed to find a similar level over recent times. Getting their Nations League adventure underway on September 5th with a 2-0 loss at the hands of Denmark, the Nati have put just a single point on the board from any of their four League A appearances. Sat rock-bottom of the table and knowing that they could officially lose their top-tier status this weekend, Friday’s hosts have continued to show some real defensive struggles. Hit with a routine 4-1 drumming when they welcomed Spain to town back on September 8th, the Swiss have shipped 10 goals in their four Nations League showdowns.

Team News

In what is a real blow for Switzerland, Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has withdrawn from Yakin’s squad and will not feature over the next fortnight. Likewise, sustaining a recent injury issue, Monaco midfielder Denis Zakaria has also stepped down from Switzerland’s squad and will not play any part.

Playing a leading role as Bayer Leverkusen got their hands on a maiden Bundesliga crown last season, former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka will lead out Yakin’s squad on Friday night. Making his move to Bologna a permanent one over the summer, Remo Freuler will partner Xhaka in the middle of the park.

Serbia

As for the visitors, enduring what was a EURO 24 struggle over the summer as they eventually finished rock-bottom of the Group C table, Serbia have once again shown a host of issues. Last seen signing off October’s fixtures with a routine 3-0 drumming at the hands of reigning European champions Spain, Dragao Stojkovic’s men have mustered just a single victory from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. However, although Friday’s guests might have shown some extended issues in the final third, they should take some solace from their most recent showdown against Switzerland. Claiming a 2-0 win when they welcomed the Nati to Leskovac on October 12th, Serbia will certainly know the importance of producing a repeat gritty display this weekend.

Team News

Shown a straight red card away at Spain last month, AC Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic will miss out through suspension on Friday night. While Sevilla star Nemanja Gudelj might have been omitted from Stojkovic’s squad last month, the 32-year-old has been recalled and could earn a 65th international cap here.

Recording six Serie A strikes with Italian giants Juventus this season, Dusan Vlahovic will be hoping to partner Aleksandar Mitrovic in the final third. Making the move to Premier League outfit Aston Villa over the summer, Kosta Nedeljkovic has been included in Serbia’s squad and should earn a fifth international cap.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Switzerland and Serbia met for their reverse Nations League showdown on October 12th, the Eagles collected a 2-0 victory on home soil.
• However, that win is the only victory that Serbia have collected from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
• Switzerland have put just a single point on the board from any of their first four Nations League appearances.
• Friday’s hosts have shipped 10 goals in those quartet of Nations League appearances.
• The three historic showdowns between Switzerland and Serbia have produced 10 goals at both ends of the pitch.

Conclusion

Claiming a 2-0 victory when they welcomed Switzerland to Leskovac last month, Serbia will be desperately seeking a repeat performance here. With Friday’s hosts putting just a single point on the board from any of their first four Nations League appearances, they have also gained a reputation for their glaring defensive struggles. Including a 4-1 drumming at home against Spain on September 8th, the Nati have already shipped 10 goals in those quartet of outings. With their League A status now hanging by a thread, we look set for what is a real must-win showdown from Zurich this weekend.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet