Slovenia played at Euro 2024 and even reached the knockout stage. But they then endured a disastrous qualifying campaign last year and came close to dropping into League C of the current competition. That said, they looked decent in the autumn: they took four points from a possible six against Scotland and beat North Macedonia at home. They did, however, lose to the favourites.
Switzerland reached the World Cup quarter-finals in the summer, losing 2-1 to Spain only after conceding an 88th-minute goal. And despite the scandalous suspensions of Xhaka and Embolo, who were caught using fake vaccination certificates, they produced a perfect record in the autumn, conceding just once in four matches.
The hosts’ record is almost evenly balanced: they are currently scoring 1.1 goals per game and conceding 1.2. The World Cup quarter-finalists average 2.1 goals scored and far fewer conceded, at 0.7.
Previous matches: Slovenia vs Switzerland
The visitors have won seven of the last nine head-to-head meetings, suffering just one defeat.
They should win this one too, even away from home (odds – 1.72).
Slovenia vs Switzerland: key stats and trends
Slovenia have won two of their last three matches
Both teams have scored in 60% of Slovenia’s matches, with an average of 2.3 total goals per game
Switzerland have won all four of their previous matches
Both teams have scored in 50% of Switzerland’s matches, with an average of 2.8 total goals per game
Slovenia vs Switzerland: probable starting line-ups
Slovenia are expected to line up in a 1-4-4-2 formation: Oblak — Drkusic, Bijol, Zec, Janza — Matko, Zabukovnik, Karnicnik, Lovric — Vipotnik, Sturm
Switzerland are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Kobel — Atekame, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez — Freuler, Jashari — Aebischer, Manzambi, Ndoye — Amdouni
