UEFA EURO 2020 – Wales vs Switzerland Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Wales vs Switzerland kick off? Saturday 12th June, 2021 – 14:00 (UK)
Where is Wales vs Switzerland being played? Baki Olimpiya Stadionu, Baku
Where can I get tickets for Wales vs Switzerland? Click here for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Wales vs Switzerland on in the UK? BBC
Where can I stream Wales vs Switzerland in the UK? This match can be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All matches: Wales 2 wins, Switzerland 5 wins, 0 draws
Last meeting: Wales 2-0 Switzerland (07/10/11)
THE LOWDOWN
WALES
- Confusion and controversy could have easily taken over the Welsh camp as they head into this tournament without permanent manager Ryan Giggs due to a court trial. Rob Page has took over and done very well as he leads his side into their third ever major tournament - their second European Championships in succession.
- That previous Euros in 2016 saw Chris Coleman’s well thought through game plan and structure reach the semi-finals with a steady defence, proper patterns of play and a focus on, of course, Gareth Bale. Despite that style being successful, this Welsh side is an upgrade in terms of personnel and much more proactive with the ball. The likes of David Brooks, Harry Wilson and Daniel James all compliment the old-guard of Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Gareth Bale.
- A lack of goals has been an issue, however. Wales have managed to score more than one goal in a match on just one occasion in their last 11 games in all competitions in a run that stretches back to November 2019. A tight defence, built with a Swansea-Tottenham core in Ben Davies and Joe Rodon has meant that they have kept eight clean sheets in that spell.
SWITZERLAND
- Vladimir Petkovic’s reign as Swiss manager has seen the country adapt and evolve into a fairly entertaining style of play but they remain slightly ineffective at major tournaments. Progression into the second round at both Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup was as much as they could manage after lacklustre eliminations at the hands of both Poland in 2016 and Sweden in 2018.
- That aforementioned evolution into a more fluid style has been built upon a heavy Bundesliga influence throughout the side. 11 of the 26-man squad ply their trade in Germany’s top-flight including four from Borussia Monchengladbach. That quarter includes their impressive goalkeeper Yann Sommer as well as Denis Zakaria in midfield. Zakaria is likely to form part of a passing midfield three alongside Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka and Atalanta’s Remo Freuler.
- A 7-0 victory over Liechtenstein in their final warm-up match ahead of the tournament, albeit against poor opposition, did highlight a general attacking intent that has been clear during Petkovic’s time in charge. There have been some standout ties since the last World Cup involving the Swiss such as their 6-1 demolition of Belgium which followed a 6-0 hammering of Iceland as well as their entertaining 3-3 draws against Denmark and Germany.
THE TEAM NEWS
WALES
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Ward; Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Roberts, Allen, Ampadu, Williams; James, Wilson, Bale
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
SWITZERLAND
PREDICTED XI (3-4-1-2): Sommer; Elvedi, Schar, Akanji; Mbabu, Zakaria, Xhaka, Rodriguez; Shaqiri; Gavranovic, Seferovic
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
The opening match of a major tournament for any side is one that is usually cagey due to the tension and nervousness that the fear of losing brings. In this competition, due to the structure and format, one victory will almost guarantee your progression into the knockout stages so, with that in mind, teams willing to ‘go for it’ is more of a possibility. However, given Wales’ stubbornness and Switzerland’s ability to flatter to deceive at major tournaments, there is likely to be a lack of goals in this one. So, given that, under 2.5 goals is a tempting bet.
Tip: UNDER 2.5 GOALS
For fixtures, results, TV schedule, top scorers and plenty more, visit our tournament home page here!
