Serbia vs Switzerland Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats

Serbia will take on Switzerland under tremendous pressure to get a win, while a draw would suffice for the Swiss if Brazil beat Cameroon.

Brazil have already qualified for the knockout phases with a narrow win over Switzerland on Matchday 2. While they remain favourites to top Group G, second place is still up for grabs, with Switzerland, Cameroon and Serbia all in contention.

Serbia are at the bottom of the group after two games and one point on board. They contested the most thrilling match of this World Cup when facing Cameroon on Matchday 2. Despite a 3-1 score in favour of the Eagles, the Indomitable Lions fought back and ended the game with a 3-3 scoreline.

The draw keeps both teams in contention, although Serbia will be under more pressure than the other two. Dragan Stojkovic’s side have a fighting chance to progress if they can beat Switzerland and Brazil beat Cameroon in the other game. However, with the Nati, things can get complicated.

Breel Embolo scored the only goal in Switzerland’s victory over Cameroon on Matchday 1, and those three points will hold in good stead ahead of the final group game. Murat Yakin’s side will progress with a win without question. They will pray for Brazil to defeat Cameroon if the match ends in a draw.

The latter scenario seems the likely outcome in the other game. Hence, Switzerland can take on Serbia brimming with confidence, knowing they are not the team under pressure in this clash. Yakin can take confidence from their performance against Brazil. They held their ground against the star-studded attackers of Brazil.

They will have rued their luck with Casemiro’s solitary strike in the second half, as the Swiss looked like a defensively resilient unit. They remained focused despite conceding that goal. Against Serbia, their philosophy might change more towards attacking the ball than defending it.

Team News & Tactics

Serbia

Serbia’s response and overall attacking play against Cameroon will have impressed Dragan Stojkovic. The return to full fitness for Aleksandar Mitrovic and a goal in the last game will boost the Serbians ahead of the Swiss encounter.

The striker will likely lead the line for Serbia, hoping to have an even more significant impact in front of the goal. He will have captain Dusan Tadic and Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic supporting him in the final third activities.

Stojkovic will retain his team’s shape and field a back three consisting of Nikola Milenkovic, Milos Veljkovic and Strahinja Pavlovic. In midfield, the manager would keep faith in Nemanja Maksimovic and Sasa Lukic to control the area.

Andrija Zivkovic and Filip Kostic are the preferred choices at wing-backs. The attacking lineup ahead of those players is clear since day one of this World Cup. Mitrovic, Milinkovic-Savic, and Tadic remain the preferred choices. Dusan Vlahovic will continue to take his place on the bench along with the other players.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Vanja Milinkovic-Savic; Milenkovic, Velijkovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, Maksimovic, Lukic, Kostic; Sergej Milenkovic-Savic, Mitrovic, Tadic

Switzerland

Switzerland are bracing themselves for the return of crucial attacker Xherdan Shaqiri. The veteran missed the game against Brazil but should return to the lineup against Serbia. In his absence, the Nati missed a chief creator, and their lack of trying in the final third was evidence of that.

Meanwhile, Noah Okafor, who also missed out against Brazil, remains doubtful about the Serbian encounter. While the injury could go through an assessment stage, his chances of making it for the game are slim.

Yakin is unlikely to make notable changes apart from Shaqiri’s inclusion. He will likely replace Fabian Rieder on the right side of the attack. The manager will retain his defensive and midfield lineup, with captain Granit Xhaka once more expected to play a crucial role.

In the attack, Shaqiri will join Djibril Sow, Ruben Vargas and central striker Embolo in a front four. The Swiss have notable options on the bench, but Yakin will expect the starting team to kill off any chances for Serbia before he can call on those players.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sommer; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Shaqiri, Sow, Vargas; Embolo

Key Stats

• Serbia have conceded at least two goals in their last four matches in the FIFA World Cup.
• Serbia have won three of their last six games in all competitions.
• Serbia are winless in this World Cup and have only one point on board so far.
• There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Switzerland’s last three games in the FIFA World Cup.
• Switzerland have four wins and two defeats in their last six games in all competitions.

Player to Watch

Granit Xhaka

Xhaka has performed admirably for Switzerland consistently for many years. The Arsenal midfielder has showcased his calm nature and maturity on the pitch to help Switzerland in this World Cup. He singlehandedly controlled a star-studded Brazilian attack in a single midfield pivot on Matchday 2. And all hopes will remain on his shoulders heading into the final group game.

Xhaka not only uses his experience on the pitch, but he also demonstrates leadership qualities very few players have in world football. He is one of those players who brought his brilliant club form into the World Cup, which should pay dividends for Switzerland against Serbia.

Prediction

Serbia 0-0 Switzerland

Serbia desperately need a win to remain relevant in this tournament. Switzerland may only require a draw, considering Brazil are the favourite to win their game against Cameroon. Hence, the pressure is on Dragan Stojkovic’s men ahead of this clash, which may force them to focus more on the attacking end.

Switzerland, however, showed a defensive resilience against Brazil reminiscent of some of the top sides in world football. The team, led by Granit Xhaka, may be less prolific but have brilliant capabilities to hold off some of the best teams. This game seems destined to end in a goalless draw, although a goal for either side won’t come as a surprise.