Wales is ready to begin their European campaign this weekend by taking on Switzerland in Baku Olympic stadium. Gareth Bale and Co should be careful here as Vladimir Petkovic’s side has the potential to stumble them as well. It will definitely be a tight affair on the pitch.
Both teams’ updated news
Wales’ final squad under Rob Page decided to leave out several senior names, including the hero from the previous tournament, Hal Robson Kanu. West Brom man did not have the impressive season and starts to lose its clinical finish. Some other names who did not make the cut are Derby County’s Tom Lawrence and Schalke youngster, Rabbi Matondo. Instead, Page has called up Cardiff City youngster Robin Colwill who just earned his senior cap in his club last February. He is said to be the versatile figure who can be very useful when it comes to tactical or formation transition.
Meanwhile, there has been no suprise in Switzerland’s final squad. The regular names such as Xerdan Shaqiri, Yann Sommer and Granit Xhaka are still the key men. They have won three times in all three friendly matches.
Possible tactic
Rob Page will still be opting Ryan Giggs’ preferred formation 4-2-3-1 here with the transfomation to 4-5-1. Gareth Bale is the winger along with Daniel James to support Kieffer Moore as the targetman. Juventus man Aaron Ramsey will be the anchorman in the build-up.
Vladimir Petkovic is likely to deploy more offensive approach in 4-2-3-1 formation instead of 3-4-2-1 as Wales is quite equal to them. Haris Seferovic will be leading the attack supported by Xerdan Shaqiri as the number ten while Breel Embolo and Admir Mehmedi or Remo Freuler will be operating in both sides.
Players to watch
The Welsh Wizard Gareth Bale remains the essential figure of the Dragon. He thrived in his old club by registering 11 goals and two assists in 20 matches. Another key man to watch is Manchester United man, Daniel James who could play on both wings.
In Switzerland, Liverpool man, Xerdan Shaqiri is still the keyman in their attack despite not playing regularly for The Reds this season. His playmaking skill would be useful to create chances as well as score from a long range. Another notable figure in Petkovic’s side is Benfica forward, Haris Seferovic who has netted 21 goals in international fixtures.
Wales vs Switzerland Prediction
The Dragons are bound to have a tough call to snatch three points in Baku. Granit Xhaka and Co will be providing equal challenge for them. Both sides might be trading decent chances but Switzerland has more experienced and solid figure between the sticks, Yann Sommer. Sharing spoils are more expected here.
Betting Odds
In this tight affair, Switzerland is priced to win at 5/4 whereas Wales’s odds to win at are 51/20. The odds for a draw result are at the value of 2/1.
