Euro 2020 Qualifying: Ireland can keep Swiss at Arms Length

Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland

The international break is upon us, and we’re heading to Ireland on Thursday for Euro 2020 Qualifying, Ireland vs Switzerland; one of the most fascinating clashes of the week.

The hosts are setting a furious pace in Group D, storming ahead on ten points, with Denmark in pursuit on five with a game in hand, and Switzerland on four, but the Rossocrati has two games in hand. Ireland will hope to extend their lead at the top, but even a draw will keep their opponents at arms length. Games in hand are useful, but everyone would prefer to have the points in the bag.

The very latest Ireland vs Switzerland betting odds pitch the visitors as favourites to win this tie, and that’s no surprise as Mick McCarthy’s Men in Green are 32^nd in the FIFA World Rankings, some 21 places behind their opponents; but they’ll have a passionate crowd at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin playing the vital role as the ‘12^th man’.

Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic has some good players in his squad, talented and tough in equal measure, and he will demand 100 per cent effort as he tries to peg the hosts back.

Talking Points

Ireland’s Home can be its Fortress

The Boys in Green sit at the top of Group D after a 2-0 win over Gibraltar which followed a draw in Denmark sandwiched by a home win against Georgia. An opening win over Gibraltar makes it ten points from four games, and that’s a fine return for McCarthy’s team in a challenging group.

Ireland has conceded only one goal so far in qualifying and they will be tough to break down again, particularly on home soil. Brighton’s Shane Duffy is a colossus at the back and he has hard-working midfielders in front of him in the shape of Aston Villa’s Conor Hourihane and Burnley’s Jeff Hendrick. These boys play for teams used to scrapping it out in the Premier League and they’ll defend like lions against the Swiss.

Ireland fans were hoping to see a return for James McCarthy, but the Crystal Palace midfielder has pulled out of the squad, as has Wolves wing-back Matt Doherty who has a knee problem.

Ireland manager Mick McCarthy keeps an eye on training ahead of their Euro 2020 showdown with Switzerland — Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy during the match

Switzerland’s Premier Quality

England football fans know plenty about Petkovic’s Switzerland, having encountered them in the UEFA Nations League third-place play-off, which the Three Lions won 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw. And they have also had plenty of time to watch two of the Rossocrati’s top players in the Premier League.

Xherdan Shaqiri came on as a substitute in Liverpool’s 0-3 win at Burnley last Saturday and, after an impressive career at Stoke City, the creative midfield man established himself as a key member of Jurgen Klopp’s side last season. Shaqiri is the visitors’ most dangerous attacking player, capable of unlocking a defence with a killer pass or scoring a spectacular dead ball kick. And in a game like this, one moment of genius could be enough to win the points.

And Arsenal supporters know Swiss captain Granit Xhaka better then anyone, his combative tackling and hammer blow of a shot have added much-needed steel to the Gunners’ core.

Bundesliga fans will recognise two attack-minded stars, including TSG 1899 Hoffenheim’s midfielder Steven Zuber who could be one to watch, his six goals in 22 international appearances show he has an eye for goal.

And Borussia Monchengladbach striker Breel Embolo was on target in his team’s last Euro qualifier, when Switzerland were held by Denmark to a 3-3 draw with a dramatic finish as the Rossocrati let a three-goal lead slip in the last seven minutes.

I can’t imagine Petkovic’s men will be so charitable in Dublin.

History

The previous Ireland vs Switzerland results tell a story of two well-matched nations. Ireland has won four of the head to heads with Switzerland having three victories and there have been three draws.

A Ciaran Clark header was enough to win the last meeting for Ireland, back in March 2016, and I expect an equally tight game this time around. Recent form favours the hosts as Ireland is six games unbeaten, while the Swiss have lost three of their last six, though Nations League clashes against Portugal and England are as tough as they get.

But the last time Switzerland beat Ireland was back in 2004 in Basel.

Betting Tip

	Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland	First Half 1×2 Draw @ 1.94
	September 6, 02:45(GMT+8)

The latest SBOBET odds suggest all three results are on the cards and it’s a tough, tough game to call.

Ireland is at 3.40 to win with the Swiss at 2.40 and the draw at 3.00. I can see Ireland getting something out of this game, and the Double chance Ireland or Draw is available at 1.60. But I’m going for a little more value with a half time stalemate.

0-1 is the most likely score at odds of 5.00, but with 1-1 not far adrift at 5.40 and 0-0 at low odds of 5.60 we can expect a real battle of attrition.