North Macedonia won their group in Division C. They also performed well in qualifying, collecting thirteen points to finish third. However, they were immediately thrashed 4-0 by Denmark in the March play-offs. They also looked unconvincing in their friendlies, drawing 0-0 with Ireland and Bosnia while suffering a 4-0 defeat to Turkey.
Switzerland competed at the latest “major” tournament, the World Cup. They squandered a victory over Qatar in the opening round, but then beat Bosnia, Canada and, in the knockout stage, Algeria in succession. They went on to eliminate Colombia on penalties after a goalless draw. Argentina were the only team to beat them, winning 3-1 in the quarter-finals thanks to a couple of goals in extra time.
Elmas and company average just 0.8 goals scored, while conceding as many as 1.8 per game. Murat Yakin’s men score 1.8 goals per match and concede one-third fewer — 1.2.
Previous matches: North Macedonia vs Switzerland
This will be the first-ever meeting between the sides.
The visitors are noticeably stronger, so we are backing them to win with a “-1 goal” handicap (odds — 1.63).
North Macedonia vs Switzerland: key statistics and trends
North Macedonia are winless in eight consecutive matches
Both teams have scored in 30% of North Macedonia’s matches, with an average total of 2.6 goals per game
Switzerland have won four of their last five matches, including their penalty-shootout victory over Colombia
Both teams have scored in 70% of Switzerland’s matches, with an average total of 3.0 goals per game
North Macedonia vs Switzerland: possible starting line-ups
North Macedonia play in a 1-3-4-3 formation (possible line-up): Dimitrievski — Musliu, Velkoski, Zajkov — Herrera, Jankulov, Nikolov, Atanasov — Elmas, Ristoder, Miovski
Switzerland play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible line-up): Kobel — Rodriguez, Akanji, Elvedi, Zakaria — Xhaka, Freuler — Ndoye, Rieder, Sow — Embolo
