Both Northern Ireland and Switzerland will be looking to earn a first-leg lead when they meet in Belfast this week, with the duo having finished second in their respective World Cup qualifying groups. With a place in next year’s Finals in Russia on the line, it could well be a tense affair at Windsor Park.
World Cup Qualifiers Playoff – Windsor Park, Belfast – Thursday 9th November – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 19/4 at Unibet |
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Northern Ireland
SwitzerlandMatch Preview
Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill has already predicted a close encounter when his team take on Switzerland in their World Cup qualifying playoff on Thursday, with little separating the two sides before kick-off. However, with both teams having done well to make this stage of the competition after being drawn in groups alongside some of Europe’s best footballing nations, plenty are expecting fireworks when the two clash at Windsor Park. The game is also expected to attract large interest from betting customers, with our top tip well worth checking out. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Team News & Form
Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill will be without one of his key figures for their encounter with Switzerland, with defender Aaron Hughes having been all-but ruled out of the tie through injury. Northern Ireland finished second in Group C thanks to six wins from their ten matches, conceding just six goals in the process. Their success of late is largely down for their capabilities in this area, with former Manchester United man Jonny Evans expected to line up at the heart of a back four for the home side. Elsewhere, Captain Steven Davis, Kyle Lafferty and Chris Brunt are all hugely experienced players for the home side, with the goalscoring emphasis falling on their shoulders also.
Switzerland Team News & Form
Switzerland were forced to settle for a place in the playoffs despite winning nine of their ten matches in Group B, with Vladimir Petković’s men being hampered by a final day defeat to Euro 2016 winners Portugal. However, having scored 23 goals from their ten matches, the Swiss are a team who can match anyone on their day, with Stoke City’s Xherdan Shaqiri, Breel Embolo and Granit Xhaka among their most talented individuals. Captain Stephan Lichtsteiner is set to earn his 96th cap against Northern Ireland this week, with the Juventus man a threat in both thirds of the field.
Head to Head
The two teams have met just four times in the past, with Northern Ireland having won two of those encounters, as well as drawing one. However, with the last meeting coming back in 2004, when a goalless draw was played out between the two nations, little can be read into such a record.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their record during qualification, it perhaps comes as little surprise that it is Switzerland who are the favourites for victory with the bookmakers. The visitors can be backed at best odds of 3/10 with Ladbrokes, while the home side are available at 11/1 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet there being under 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes, which can be found at best odds of 4/9 with William Hill.