Swiss travel to Belfast cauldron

Second faces fourth in Group D as Switzerland travel to Windsor Park to face a Northern Ireland side in need of a memorable night on home soil, looking to push themselves back into contention for World Cup qualification. The Swiss earned a respectable goalless draw in their hosting of European champions Italy last time out, and are in the driving seat to finish in second place and take their place in the play-offs. Vladimir Petkovic’s men are firm odds on favourites, however it is never that simple in front of the home faithful in Belfast. Ian Baraclough’s men will be fired up to seek revenge on the Swiss who beat Northern Ireland in the play-offs in qualifying for World Cup 2018.

Background

The Green and White Army ran riot in Lithuania last time out, Daniel Ballard, Conor Washington, Shayne Lavery and Paddy McNair got on the scoresheet in a 4-1 win. The latter and talismanic figure will miss Wednesday evening’s match due to an accumulation of yellow cards in the qualifying campaign.

Preston North End newboy Ali McCann sealed a move to Deepdale close to the transfer deadline, moving from St Johnstone, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder will be one to watch for any Championship fans during the international break. The partnership of Conor Washington and Shayne Lavery could also be something to keep an eye on, usual striker Josh Magennis missed out on these fixtures due to injury so Baraclough has given this newer pairing a chance. Lining up against Borussia Monchengladbach’s Nico Elvedi and Borussia Dortmund’s Manuel Akanji at the heart of defence it will be an intriguing test.

They have the characteristics of a potentially effective combination, Washington the anchor, strong as an ox with a tricky dribbling ability and with Lavery’s relentless running in behind they could be a real handful in this qualifying campaign.

Goals?

• Northern Ireland have scored in seven of ten.
• Northern Ireland have conceded in seven of ten.
• Northern Ireland have seen both teams score in five of ten.
• Northern Ireland have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
• Switzerland have scored in eight of ten.
• Switzerland have conceded in eight of ten.
• Switzerland have seen both teams score in seven of ten.
• Switzerland have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.

NI will be rigid and will look to contain the Swiss and hit them on the counter, the loss of McNair will have an effect on the way they approach the game.

Northern Ireland - Switzerland Betting Tip

Under 2.25 Asian goals with bet365 at odds of 21/25 or 1.82.

Bet Under 2.25 Asian goals on Bet365