European duo Greece and Switzerland meet in a friendly encounter on Friday evening, with the two nations having fared differently in their recent World Cup qualifying playoff matches. While Switzerland are currently preparing for the Finals in Russia, Greece are looking to kick-start a new era with a win in front of their home fans.
International Friendly – Toumba Stadium, Thessaloniki – Friday 23rd March – 18:00 UK Time
Greece vs Switzerland Match Preview
Greece host Switzerland in a friendly clash later this week, with both sides looking to return to winning ways after registering draws last time out. With little separating the two nations ahead of kick-off, managers Michael Skibbe and Vladimir Petković will be doing everything they can to gain a tactical advantage for their respective team. Meanwhile, with the odds on the match also being too close to call at present, those still unsure of who to back ahead of kick-off should be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Greece Team News & Form
Greece were defeated over two legs by Croatia back in November, meaning that manager Skibbe must now inspire a new era, starting with a clash against Switzerland this week. The German boss has selected a familiar looking playing squad for the encounter, with the likes of Kostas Mitroglou, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Kostas Manolas being among their most recognisable members. The hosts have scored eight goals in their last six matches, however four of these came against minnows Gibraltar back in October last year.
Switzerland Team News & Form
Just a single goal was enough to defeat Northern Ireland over two legs, with Switzerland currently preparing for World Cup clashes against Brazil, Serbia and Costa Rica. Manager Petkovic will be hoping that his senior players can inspire a positive result against Greece, with the likes of Granit Xhaka, Valon Behrami and Captain Stephan Lichtsteiner among their most experienced players. The visitors have scored 12 goals in their last six matches.
Greece vs Switzerland Head to Head
The two nations have met 13 times in the past, with Switzerland having had the better of things on the whole. However, the duo played out a goalless draw the last time they met back in February 2013, with the Swiss having won seven and drawn four of such meetings. The last win for Greece came in a friendly back in 2014.
Greece vs Switzerland Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite being the home team on Friday evening, it perhaps comes as little surprise that it is Greece who are the underdogs for victory with the majority of major online bookmakers. The hosts can be backed for victory at best odds of 3/1 with bookmaker William Hill, while those looking to bet on an away success for Switzerland can get a price of 11/10 on the same platform. Meanwhile, a draw between the two is available at odds of 2/1 with Paddy Power.
Greece vs Switzerland Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams to score during the 90 minutes in Greece later this week, with odds of 11/10 available at Ladbrokes.