The Stats Zone
· Trystan Pugh

2018 FIFA World Cup – Serbia vs Switzerland Preview

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AT A GLANCE

When? Friday 22nd June, 19:00

Where? Kaliningrad Stadium

What channel is it on? BBC1

Where can I stream the match? BBC license holders can stream the match online via BBC iPlayer

Are tickets still available? https://www.ticketbisevents.com/en/group-e-brazil-switzerland-costa-rica-serbia-tickets/ca5915

THE TEAM NEWS

SERBIA

  • Serbia got off to the dream start against Costa Rica thanks to Kolarov's stunning free-kick as they now face their main rivals for second spot in what will be another tight and cautious match.
  • They will likely approach this match in a similar way as they will be relatively cautious and avoid taking too many risks against the Swiss.
  • Krstajic is likely to keep faith with the same starting eleven for this game which has a good balanced blend of experience and youth so no surprises expected there.

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):

Stojkovic

Ivanovic, Milenkovic, Tosic, Kolarov

Matic, Milivojevic

Tadic, Milinkovic-Savic, Ljajic

Mitrovic

Unavailable: None

Doubtful: None

SWITZERLAND

  • The Swiss pulled off one of the results of the opening round of matches as they fought from behind to draw with tournament favourites Brazil to give them a great start and boost in confidence.
  • After an incredibly hardworking display, Petkovic must decide whether to rest veterans likes Lichtsteiner and Behrami for this game, with the latter especially struggling with fatigue and cramp late on in the Brazil game.
  • Lang and Zakaria are both potential candidates to come into the side while Embolo could very well get the nod up front in place of Seferovic. Zakaria is one of the most promising talents in Europe so expect him to work his way into this starting eleven at some point.

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):

Sommer

Lichtsteiner, Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez

Xhaka, Behrami

Shaqiri, Dzemaili, Zuber

Embolo

Unavailable: None

Doubtful: None

THE PREDICTION

This promises to be an extremely tight and hard-fought game between two well matched teams. The Swiss are the more predictable and consistent of the two but lack the flair of Serbia. They may very well cancel each other out or the game could be decided by a single goal so the play here is certainly something on the goals markets.

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