Scotland - Switzerland predictions and free betting tips [19/06/2024]

Tomorrow, in the second match of Group A at the European Football Championship, Scotland and Switzerland will face off.

Probable Lineups

Scotland: Angus Gunn, Jack Hendry, Billy Gilmour, Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston, Scott McTominay, Callum McGregor, Andrew Robertson, John McGinn, Che Adams, Ryan Christie.

Switzerland: Yann Sommer, Fabian Schär, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodríguez, Silvan Widmer, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Djibril Sow, Michel Aebischer, Ruben Vargas, Kwadwo Duah.

Team Scotland

In the opening match of Euro 2024, Scotland suffered a 1-5 defeat to Germany. The Scots began the game with a defensive 5-4-1 formation, which proved ineffective within the first 20 minutes as young German talents Wirtz and Musiala put the game to bed. Following the red card for Scottish defender Ryan Porteous for fouling Ilkay Gündogan, the result became inevitable. This dismissal weakened the team, and Germany quickly capitalised on the numerical advantage – Havertz converted the penalty. The absence of Billy Gilmour and Lawrence Shankland affected Scotland's counterattack efficiency. Scotland attempted 23 long passes to Che Adams, succeeding only eight times, highlighting the weak attacking link. Additionally, they relied heavily on the right flank, underutilising their best players, Tierney and Robertson.

Germany effectively controlled the game, especially after Gündogan's two early goals, finding space between defensive lines. Toni Kroos dictated the tempo from deep, with his pinpoint passes aiding the first German goal. Towards the end, Scotland managed to score when a set-piece led to a defensive error and Scott McKenna benefited from Rüdiger's own goal. Scotland showed some directness but fell short in their initial match performance.

Team Switzerland

Switzerland commenced their Euro 2024 campaign with a confident 3-1 victory over Hungary in Group A encounters. The match in Cologne showcased Swiss organisation and quality. In the first half, Switzerland laid the groundwork for their win with strikes from Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebischer. Newcomer Duah scored in his second game for the national team, converting an Aebischer pass. Aebischer then found his own opportunity, beating a defender and striking confidently – 2:0 at half-time. Hungary tried to alter the game's course in the second half, and on the 66th minute, efforts from Dominik Szoboszlai and Barnabás Varga paid off, with Varga heading home following a defensive mistake. This sparked Hungarian activity, but they could not find another goal despite increased pressure.

The final result was sealed by Breel Embolo, who returned after a long injury layoff. Embolo capitalised on a Hungarian defender Orban's mistake, lobbing over the goalkeeper, securing a 3-1 victory. Swiss captain Granit Xhaka, a prominent figure for the sensationally successful Bayer Leverkusen, was named the match's best player. His midfield control and playmaking drew acclaim from UEFA technical observers, giving Switzerland a strong start in the tournament.  Swiss coach Murat Yakin expressed satisfaction with the result, highlighting the tactical decision to start Duah and Aebischer playing from the left wing, which paid off. This success allows Switzerland to share the top spot in Group A with Germany, who also began with a win. Next up, the match against Scotland will be a crucial test to back up their tournament aspirations.

Head-to-Head

From 1991 to 2006, Scotland and Switzerland faced each other six times in European and World Cup qualifiers, along with a friendly in 2006. In 1991, they drew 2-2, and Switzerland won 3-1. World Cup qualifiers in 1992 and 1993 ended in a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 win for Scotland. At the 1996 European Championship, Scotland won 1-0. Their last meeting in 2006 saw Switzerland take a 3-1 victory.

Match Prediction: Scotland vs Switzerland

It's unclear what Steve Clarke's strategy was against Germany, given the lack of coherent counterattacks, pressing, and movements. The sole goal was courtesy of Rüdiger's own goal. In contrast, Switzerland displayed a level of play comparable to Europe's top teams, and Yakin's side looks set to secure direct passage from the group with a win here. Xhaka's dominance in midfield, coupled with a potent attack, points towards a victory for the 'nominal guests.'