Switzerland vs Georgia
We’re heading to Euro 2020 Match Nine this week and a fascinating climax to Group D, starting with a clash between Switzerland and Georgia at the Kybunpark, St Gallen.
Currently in third place, Switzerland could take the top spot in the group, with a win here followed up by another away to Gibraltar, while Denmark and Ireland battle it out for the other qualification place. The last thing they need is to count on other results going their way, so Vladimir Petkovic and his team will be desperate to use this game to take the pressure off.
Ireland and Denmark meet in a crunch match at the Aviva Stadium next week. The strong likelihood is that Ireland will need to win to take a top two spot, while Switzerland travels to Gibraltar.
So this clash with Georgia is huge for the Swiss, but the visitors’ coach Vladimir Weiss will be in no mood to roll over. His team is out of the running but has amassed a decent eight points and he would dearly love to reach double figures in such a competitive group.
Put simply, win on Friday night and the Euro 2020 betting odds will point a way to the finals for Petkovic’s Switzerland.
Talking Points
Swiss need a happy Xhaka
The hosts’ key player and captain, Granit Xhaka, arrives in Switzerland under a cloud.
He’s had a torrid time recently in the Premier League, stripped of his captaincy at Arsenal after clashing with their fans when he was substituted during a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
Xhaka has been the target of criticism as leader of a side which is underperforming in the English league, particularly away from home; and when fans booed him on his substitution, he returned the abuse in kind. It’s not the sort of behavior you want to see from your captain, but it does show his passion, and the hurt he feels when things aren’t going right.
Former Gunners legend Patrick Viera believes Xhaka has the toughness and experience to get through this difficult patch. And if he does, then his tough tackling and rocket-like shot will be an asset to both club and country. He has 81 caps, scoring 11 goals for Switzerland and Petkovic will hope his skipper can put his domestic troubles behind him and turn his aggression on Georgia, in the nicest possible way!
The Swiss put themselves in pole position for a qualification place with a 2-0 win over Ireland last time out, with main striker Haris Seferovic on target; and he’ll be the man Georgia defenders will be keen to keep quiet.
Switzerland fans might have half an eye on the Euro 2020 updates from Denmark, in the hope that Gibraltar can pull off a miracle against one of their rivals. But their destiny is in their own hands.
Do the business against Georgia and they have a clear path to Euro 2020.
Ireland need a favour from Georgia
Ireland fans will be cheering on Georgia on Friday, particularly after they were held to a goalless draw by Weiss’ side at the Boris Paichadze Stadium. And they aren’t without hope, as Georgia have become a tougher prospect in recent games, four unbeaten, and picking up four points by drawing with Denmark as well as Ireland, before beating Gibraltar 2-3. Both draws were goalless, and the Swiss crowd could get nervous if they reach half time without breaking through.
Captain Jaba Cankava, should be available, and his experience could be priceless, having scored ten goals from midfield in his 85 caps, while up front, Giorgi Kvilitaia could lead the line. The Gent striker has five goals from 21 games.
History
Switzerland have reached the Round of 16 in both the recent major finals, at Euro 2016 and the World Cup 2018, and will expect anther shot at a final to be confirmed within a week.
The Swiss had a comfortable 0-2 win when the two teams met in Tbilisi, thanks to goals from Steven Zuber and Denis Zakaria. They dominated the game with 25 shots to six and eight to one on target, but there might be a little more tension when they take to the field on Friday.
The two teams have met three times, with Switzerland winning two and Georgia earning a 0-0 draw back in 2003.
Betting Tip
 |
 |
Switzerland vs Georgia | Georgia Asian Handicap +2.00 @ 1.88 |
| November 16, 03:45 (GMT+8) |
At SBOBET odds of 1.17 to win the Swiss should be nailed on, but strange things can happen when the pressure starts to mount. The draw is at 6.20 and Georgia at 9.50 to win.
The visitors have nothing to fear and can play without pressure, so I expect them to cause Switzerland a few problems, but Petkovic’s side should have too much quality for their visitors.
The most likely score line is 2-0 at 4.30, but a stern challenge from Georgia could make 2-1 at 11.50 a good outside bet.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
|
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
