Kick-off: 1945, 27/09/2022
Stadium: Kybunpark
Switzerland only need a point to avoid relegation from Nations League Group A2 at the expense of Czech Republic but can ensure their safety in style.
The Rossocrociati have upset Portugal and Spain in their last two matches and now face opponents who have suffered three straight defeats.
Let’s take 7/4 for a home win by more than one clear goal as our first Switzerland vs Czech Republic prediction.
Switzerland Odds
Switzerland looked in big trouble after starting out with a hat-trick of defeats, going down 2-1 in Prague and 4-0 in Lisbon before losing 1-0 at home to La Roja.
However, a first-minute Haris Seferovic strike proved enough to see off Portugal in Geneva and Saturday’s 2-1 away win versus Spain has put them within sight of a great escape.
In Zaragoza, Manchester City new boy Manuel Akanji headed in a 21st-minute corner to give the Rossocrociati a half-time lead.
Jordi Alba fired in a well-worked equaliser early on in the second period but then Akanji flicked on another set-piece and Monaco forward Brees Embolo netted from close range.
Yann Sommer had to make a couple of fine late saves to keep the Swiss in front but they held on for a crucial victory.
Head coach Murat Yakin said: “We were so well organised, we remained solid and the goals we scored came at the perfect moments.
“We learned a lot from our errors in previous games, we started better and that helped us a lot in the final result.”
Akanji is unfortunately suspended for this contest, but Newcastle defender Fabian Schar could prove an able deputy.
Switzerland kept five straight clean sheets on home turf when qualifying for the World Cup ahead of Italy and have again been solid at the back in front of their own fans in this pool.
Looking at the Switzerland vs Czech Republic odds, there is plenty of appeal in 7/5 for a home win to nil.
Czech Republic Odds
Czech Republic followed up their win over the Swiss by drawing 2-2 with Spain in Prague but have struggled since.
They were beaten 2-0 on the road in both Portugal and Spain back in June and returned to action with a 4-0 home loss to the Navigators.
Jaroslav Silhavy’s defenders were guilty of standing around like statues for three of the goals conceded over the weekend.
Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick had a chance to pull one back just before the break when the score was 2-0 but he blazed a penalty over the bar.
“We tried to press them, but we did not do it properly and intensively enough, plus we made simple mistakes in the defence,” said Silhavy. “This all caused the result.”
Czechia were beaten 3-0 in Belgium and 1-0 in Wales when only third in their World Cup pool and then went down 1-0 after extra-time in Sweden in a play-off.
Given such a poor record of scoring on the road, 6/1 for a 2-0 home victory completes our Switzerland vs Czech Republic betting tips.
Additional stats
Last result:
Spain 1-2 SWITZERLAND – Manuel Akanji, Breel Embolo
CZECH REPUBLIC 0-4 Portugal
Head-to-head: Czech Republic 2-1 Switzerland, Switzerland 0-1 Czech Republic
Join bwin today and receive up to £20 money back as a FreeBet if your first wager (3+ selections at odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater) is a loser! Terms and conditions apply.
