Switzerland vs Estonia predictions ahead of this friendly clash. Switzerland faces Estonia in the first pre-Euro 2024 warm-up match at the Swissporarena in Lucerne on Tuesday evening. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
Friendlies | Jun 4, 2024 at 7.15pm UK at swissporarena
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Switzerland vs Estonia Predictions
Swiss Aim to Dominate in Pre-Euro 2024 Warm-Up Against Estonia
Key Stats
– Switzerland average 2.2 goals per game in European Championship qualifiers.
– Estonia have conceded 14 goals in their last four encounters with Switzerland.
– Switzerland’s Breel Embolo has scored 13 goals in international competitions.
Switzerland are set to commence their pre-Euro 2024 warm-up fixtures with a clash against Estonia at the Swissporarena in Lucerne. This encounter is not just a friendly; it serves as a crucial preparatory match for Switzerland as they gear up for their European Championship opener against Hungary. Conversely, Estonia are preparing for the Baltic Cup, starting with a semi-final against the Faroe Islands. This analysis delves into the potential dynamics of the game, the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, and offers informed predictions on the outcome.
Swiss Aspirations and Preparations
Switzerland have had a notable run in recent major tournaments. They reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2020, their best performance at a European Championship, and progressed to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup. Murat Yakin’s squad are eyeing another strong showing at Euro 2024 and are in a group with Hungary, Scotland, and Germany. The team’s recent form is encouraging, with only one loss in their last 12 matches across all competitions. They are coming off a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in March, which highlights their ability to secure results in tight encounters.
Switzerland’s squad boasts experienced players such as Yann Sommer, Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji, and Granit Xhaka. Yann Sommer is expected to start in goal, given Gregor Kobel’s recent commitments with Borussia Dortmund. The defence will be anchored by Schar and Akanji, providing stability and composure at the back. In midfield, Xhaka and Remo Freuler will look to control the tempo, while Xherdan Shaqiri’s creativity will be pivotal. Up front, Breel Embolo, who has netted 13 times for Switzerland, will be a key threat alongside Burnley’s Zeki Amdouni.
Estonia’s Struggles and Prospects
Estonia’s footballing history is starkly different, as they have never qualified for the European Championship finals. Their recent form has been dismal, with five straight defeats, including a 2-1 loss to Finland in March and a 5-0 thrashing by Poland. Estonia’s defensive frailties are evident, having conceded 14 goals in their last four matches against Switzerland. However, they will aim to use this match as a stepping stone towards their Baltic Cup campaign.
Thomas Haberli’s side will rely heavily on the experience of Henri Anier, who has scored 22 goals for the national team. The inclusion of Markus Poom from Shamrock Rovers and Martin Miller from Bohemians adds some hope for creativity in midfield. Youngster Martin Vetkal from Roma is also expected to feature prominently. Despite their struggles, Estonia will look to put up a resilient performance and gain some confidence ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
Expected Lineups and Tactical Approaches
Switzerland Probable Starting XI:
- Yann Sommer; Fabian Schar, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji; Dan Ndoye, Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka, Silvan Widmer; Xherdan Shaqiri, Breel Embolo, Zeki Amdouni.
Estonia Probable Starting XI:
- Karl Hein; Karol Mets, Joonas Tamm, Ken Kallaste, Taijo Teniste; Konstantin Vassiljev, Markus Poom, Martin Miller, Martin Vetkal; Henri Anier, Erik Sorga.
Switzerland are likely to employ a fluid 3-4-3 formation, aiming to dominate possession and control the midfield through Xhaka and Freuler. Shaqiri will be instrumental in creating scoring opportunities, while Embolo’s pace and physicality will be a constant threat to the Estonian defence. Estonia, on the other hand, might opt for a more conservative approach, likely setting up in a 4-4-2 formation, aiming to be compact defensively and rely on counter-attacks through Anier and Sorga.
Key Areas and Player Duels
The midfield battle will be crucial, with Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler expected to dominate against Estonia’s less experienced midfielders. The creativity of Shaqiri could be a decisive factor, and his duel with Estonia’s veteran Konstantin Vassiljev will be interesting to watch. In defence, the Swiss centre-backs, particularly Akanji, will need to neutralise the threat posed by Anier, Estonia’s main attacking outlet.
Predicted Gameplay Dynamics
Switzerland are expected to dominate possession, leveraging their superior technical ability and tactical organisation. They will look to press high and regain possession quickly, using the width provided by their wing-backs Ndoye and Widmer. Estonia are likely to sit deep, absorb pressure, and hope to exploit any counter-attacking opportunities. However, given their recent defensive issues, keeping a clean sheet will be a challenging task.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Switzerland’s Strengths:
- Experienced Core: Players like Sommer, Schar, Xhaka, and Shaqiri bring a wealth of experience and leadership.
- Defensive Solidity: With Schar and Akanji at the back, Switzerland are hard to break down.
- Midfield Control: Xhaka and Freuler offer a blend of physicality and technical prowess, ensuring control of the game.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of Cutting Edge: Despite their possession, Switzerland sometimes struggle to convert dominance into goals.
- Inconsistent Performances: Occasional lapses in concentration have cost them in past matches.
Estonia’s Strengths:
- Veteran Presence: Anier and Vassiljev bring much-needed experience.
- Youthful Energy: Players like Vetkal provide a fresh impetus.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: Conceding 14 goals in four matches against Switzerland highlights their defensive frailties.
- Lack of Depth: Limited options on the bench to change the game.
Managerial Analysis
Murat Yakin’s tactical acumen has been evident in Switzerland’s recent performances. His ability to adapt and make crucial in-game decisions has been key. However, his tendency to play conservatively at times can hinder Switzerland’s attacking potential. On the other side, Thomas Haberli faces a monumental task in revitalising an underperforming Estonia side. His focus on defensive solidity is understandable, but a more proactive approach might be necessary to stem the tide of defeats.
Expected Goals Analysis
Switzerland’s attacking statistics are impressive, with an average of 2.2 goals per game and 16.4 total shots per game. Their ability to create big chances (4.5 per game) will be crucial against a porous Estonian defence. Estonia, in stark contrast, have struggled in attack, averaging just 0.3 goals per game. Their defensive record is equally concerning, conceding an average of 3 goals per game.
Betting Angles and Predictions
Best Bet for the Match: Switzerland to Win to Nil
Switzerland’s recent form, coupled with Estonia’s defensive struggles, makes this a strong prediction. Estonia have failed to score in their last four encounters with Switzerland, and given their current run of form, breaking down Switzerland’s defence seems unlikely.
Correct Score Prediction: Switzerland 3-0 Estonia
Considering Switzerland’s superior firepower and Estonia’s defensive vulnerabilities, a 3-0 scoreline is a plausible outcome. Switzerland have the attacking depth to break down Estonia, and a clean sheet is expected given Estonia’s attacking struggles.
Goalscorer Prediction: Breel Embolo to Score Anytime
Breel Embolo, with his pace and physical presence, is well-suited to exploit Estonia’s defensive weaknesses. His record for Switzerland suggests he is likely to find the net in this fixture.
Corner Prediction: Switzerland to Have More Corners
Switzerland’s attacking style, characterised by frequent wing play and crossing, will likely result in a higher number of corners. They average 5.9 corners per game, significantly higher than Estonia’s 2.3.
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