Prediction: Draw
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The waiting is almost over as UEFA Euro 2020 prepares to get underway tomorrow night. There are plenty of storylines to be discussed heading into this tournament and as we look ahead to the next few days, it s clear to see we re going to get kicking off with a bang across a handful of groups. Today, we re going to be taking a look at what should be an enticing affair between Group A rivals Wales and Switzerland at the Baku National Stadium.
Wales
Five years ago at Euro 2016, Wales were the definition of a surprise package as they managed to make it all the way through to the semi-finals. While they were ultimately unable to make it all the way to the final, they were still able to announce themselves to the watching world as a team to watch and while they ve managed to qualify for the Euros once again, they re definitely not expected to repeat their aforementioned heroics this time around.
Team News
Wilson is expected to play a featured role with Bale and James on either side. Ramsey is tipped to play after some initial speculation surrounding the team selection with Norrington-Davies being favoured over Williams in the race to start at full. back.
Switzerland
After years of Switzerland being viewed as a legitimate dark horse in the Euros and World Cup, they appear to have settled down into a role of being an organised unit that always struggles to go much further than that. They did reach the Round of 16 at the World Cup but Group A is looking tough, and if they can t get a win under their belt in the early stages, they could find themselves floundering before the tournament has really begun.
Team News
Zakaria and Freuler are battling it out for a place in the middle of the park alongside Xhaka, who many argue is the talisman of this squad. Gavranovic, Embolo and Mehmedi are all hoping to make an appearance in the starting XI with the Swiss likely favouring a two up top formation.
Factors to Consider
In their last meeting ten years ago, Wales beat Switzerland 2-0 in a Euro 2012 qualifier.
Wales have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
Switzerland have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
Wales have scored six goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
Switzerland have scored 17 goals and conceded five in their last six games.
Conclusion
Neither of these two nations are necessarily expected to win the whole group and because of that, we think there s going to be plenty of nerves at play with a third place finish being the bare minimum for either side in this tournament. We think the Welsh will enjoy another Gareth Bale-inspired moment of magic to get them off to the races but the Swiss will eventually equalise, leaving the two nations to share the spoils in Baku.
Prediction: Draw
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