Switzerland vs Northern Ireland: Hosts to grind out win
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Switzerland vs Northern Ireland: Hosts to grind out win

Kick-off: 1945, 09/10/2021

Stadium: Stade de Geneve

TV: Sky Sports

Switzerland should cement their position as favourites to advance from World Cup Group C alongside Italy when hosting Northern Ireland.

The Rossocrociati are three points above their opponents and ranked 33 places higher in the FIFA ratings ahead of this Geneva clash.

Games between these teams tend to be tight, though, so 31/20 for a home win and under 2.5 goals in the game is our first Switzerland vs Northern Ireland prediction.

A Look At Switzerland’s Betting Odds

Switzerland prevailed 1-0 on aggregate when taking on Northern Ireland in the Russia 2018 play-offs thanks to a controversial spot-kick.

Murat Yakin’s side missed a penalty when drawing 0-0 at Windsor Park in this pool last month, with Bailey Peacock-Farrell saving from Haris Seferovic.

The Rossocrociati had previously played out another goalless stalemate with Italy on home turf, having shaded Lithuania 1-0 back in March.

That highlights why we are anticipating a cagey contest, although Switzerland did start out with a 3-1 win in Bulgaria.

They also did well to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals, beating France in a shoot-out prior to losing to Spain via the same manner.

Yakin will be concerned by Seferovic’s lack of action for Benfica this term, but Xherdan Shaqiri has settled in well enough with Lyon.

Newcastle defender Fabian Schar and Celtic’s Albian Ajeti are other familiar faces, while Christian Fassnacht has caught the eye for domestic kingpins Young Boys.

He was one of three Switzerland squad members to feature in their Champions League win over Manchester United last month.

Looking at the 20/23 they lead at half-time and full-time appeals.

A Look At Northern Ireland’s Betting Odds

Northern Ireland will take heart from having been the more threatening outfit in open play in Belfast last time out.

They kicked off with a 2-0 loss in Italy and only drew 0-0 at home to Bulgaria, but a 4-1 win away to Lithuania was encouraging.

Leeds midfielder Stuart Dallas, Leicester defender Jonny Evans, Corry Evans and Josh Magennis return to the squad, while Paddy McNair is back from suspension.

However, losing Blackpool striker Shayne Lavery to injury is a big blow, as he has looked very lively up front of late.

The same applies to Preston midfielder Ali McCann and we’re prepared to take the visitors on.

Let’s add 17/4 for a 2-0 home win to our Switzerland vs Northern Ireland betting tips.

Additional stats

Last result:

NORTHERN IRELAND 0-0 SWITZERLAND

Previous head-to-head: Switzerland 0-0 N Ireland, N Ireland 0-1 Switzerland, Switzerland 0-0 N Ireland

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