Tight encounter between Switzerland and Ireland

Vladimir Petkovic’s Switzerland entertain Group D pace setters and leaders, Republic of Ireland in their crucial sixth qualifying match out of eight. The Swiss currently reside in third place, four points behind Mick McCarthy’s side who are taking part in their first campaign under him. David McGoldrick scored a late equaliser in the reverse fixture much to Tuesday’s hosts’ frustration that has continued to muster throughout qualifying, with them most recently losing 1-0 in Denmark thanks to a world class performance from Kasper Schmeichel between the sticks making this encounter huge in deciding which two nations will progress to this summer’s European Championships.

Recent form

Switzerland have scored seven times in their two qualifier matches at home in this campaign, also their encounters have averaged 2.2 second half goals thus far. Ireland on the other hand only average a total match goals on 1.33 and a low scoring affair is more likely because eight out of the Swiss’ last 10 internationals have brought under 2.5 goals.

Irish solidity

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ipswich Town boss has a reputation for organising his teams extremely well and he has transitioned that style into international football brilliantly, the side skippered by Seamus Coleman have conceded just twice in their six matches so far. With one game left to follow this back at home, they could set themselves up to qualify beautifully by taking even a point on Tuesday evening. The ball is in Switzerland’s court to go at Ireland and you can be certain that they will be well drilled to combat less possession and sitting rigid behind the ball.

They were victims however, to their own defensive strength in firing a blank away in Georgia on Saturday where they had less possession and shots than the pot 4 nation.

One to watch

The difference maker in this key group game could be Wolfsburg’s Admir Mehmedi who made a lot of dangerous late runs from midfield in the Denmark game and could create an overload at crucial times on Tuesday evening. The hosts will control the midfield as of the passing ability and brute strength of Granit Xhaka alongside Denis Zakaria, and with Mehmedi able to roam around the front two and pick up the ball in different positions, he could pull the Irish defence out of position and create spaces for the Red Crosses to exploit.

Expect a determined defensive display from the battling Irish who could all but seal qualification with a win here, but I suspect Switzerland will break the deadlock and narrowly come out on top.

Switzerland – Republic of Ireland Betting Tip

Under 2.5 goals with Betfred at odds of 8/13.

Bet Under 2.5 goals on Betfred