International Friendly - Match Prediction: Switzerland VS Finland

Match Time：4/1/2021 02:45 Thursday  (GMT+8)

International Friendly --  Switzerland   VS   Finland

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Switzerland and Finland will both be looking to cap off positive international breaks on Wednesday when they do battle in an international friendly. The hosts kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with wins over Bulgaria and Lithuania recently, while Finland picked up commendable draws against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Ukraine to kickstart their qualifying bid.

 

Match preview

Switzerland got off to the perfect start in their World Cup qualifying campaign in this international break, winning both of their games to go second in their group. irstly, Vladimir Petkovic's side won 3-1 away against Bulgaria, as Breel Embolo, Haris Seferovic and Steven Zuber put them 3-0 up in the first 15 minutes, before Kiril Despodov netted what turned out to be a consolation goal at the beginning of the second half.

 

They enjoyed a similarly strong start to their most recent game, as Xherdan Shaqiri found the net after just two minutes to fire his side to a 1-0 victory at home to Lithuania.

 

The Red Crosses now turn their attention away from the World Cup Qualifiers, as they look to finish the international break with three wins from three games.

 

However, they host a Finland side who picked up impressive draws in their last two matches. Finland kicked off their qualifying campaign with a 2-2 draw at home to Bosnia-Herzegovina at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.

 

The visitors took the lead through Miralem Pjanic, but a Teemu Pukki brace put the Eagle-owls ahead with 10 minutes to go, before Miroslav Stevanovic netted an equaliser to force Finland to share the points. Most recently, Markku Kanerva's side drew 1-1 away at Ukraine after some late drama.

 

The game remained goalless for 80 minutes, until Junior Moraes gave the hosts a 1-0 lead, but Pukki would strike from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to snatch a point for his side.

 

After two solid showings, Kanerva will be looking to finish the international break unbeaten, with what would be another impressive result against a strong outfit.

 

Switzerland form (all competitions): LDDWWW

 

Finland form (all competitions): WWWLDD

 

Team News

Switzrland currently boast a strong collection of talent in their national side, with Benfica's Haris Seferovic and Borussia Monchengladbach's Breel Embolo leading the line.

 

They are supported by Xherdan Shaqiri, who offers quality and experience in abundance going forward.

 

Meanwhile, the strong defensive line of Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodriguez is shielded by Arsenal's Granit Xhaka, forming a tough proposition for any side who they come up against.

 

Despite turning 31 recently, Finland forward Teemu Pukki has showed no signs of slowing down, having scored three goals in his last two international games to take his tally to 30 Finland goals.

 

That is no coincidence either, as the experienced striker has shone again for Norwich City in the Championship this campaign, netting 22 Championship goals.

 

Another key player for the Eagle-owls is centre-back Joona Toivio, who will make his 73rd international appearance on Wednesday.

 

Switzerland possible starting lineup:

Sommer; Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Freuler, Xhaka, Vargas; Shaqiri; Embolo, Seferovic

 

Finland possible starting lineup:

Joronen; Granlund, Toivio, Arajuuri, O'Shaughnessy, Hamalainen; Kamara, Lod, Kauko; Pukki, Pohjanpalo

 

Switzerland VS Finland

Switzerland 3-1 Finland