Switzerland vs Northern Ireland – 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Preview

Posted on November 12, 2017 by Sreya

Switzerland vs Northern Ireland – Switzerland hosts Northern Ireland at the St. Jakob’s Park, Basel on 12th November, Sunday in the second leg of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Switzerland completely outplayed Northern Ireland in the first leg but were handed a win only due to a controversial decision from the referee – a penalty which shouldn’t have been given.

A 1-0 lead might be meager but it has the Swiss well-placed for a second leg at home.

Team News

Corry Evans is suspended after he was wrongly adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area which led to the controversial penalty decision. Northern Ireland will also be without Stuart Dallas who picked up a knock and will face a late fitness test, but is unlikely to start.

Switzerland Possible Starting Lineup: Yann Sommer, Stephan Lichsteiner, Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Xherdan Shaquiri, Blerim Djemaili, Admir Mehmedi, Haris Seferovic.

Northern Ireland Possible Starting Lineup: Michael McGovern, Conor McLaughlin, Gareth McAuley, Jonny Evans, Chris Brunt, Steven Davis, Oliver Norwood, George Saville, Josh Magennis, Conor Washington, Jamie Ward.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Switzerland vs Northern Ireland H2H Stats, the last five matches between these two nations resulted in two wins for either side and one draw.

Switzerland have won ten of their last eleven matches in the FIFA World Cup, while Northern Ireland have lost their last three games. It is an uphill battle for Northern Ireland who will play Switzerland at a venue where the Swiss have been undefeated in their last seventeen games.

Northern Ireland are attempting to qualify for the World Cup for the fourth time in their history while Switzerland have been a regular feature in the last three World Cups.

It should be a closely contested affair but a 2-0 win for Switzerland is the most likely result.