Switzerland will aim to bring an end to their losing streak when they host Denmark on matchday 4 of the UEFA Nations League.
Having lost in their last outing, Denmark will be looking to get back to winning ways, while the hosts Switzerland would want to get off the mark with their first win of the competition when they clash at the AFG Arena on Tuesday.
Switzerland enjoyed an impressive UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, where they made it to the quarter-finals. But they have not had the best of times since the quadrennial continental event. They have lost all three of their UEFA Nations League fixtures so far.
In their last outing against Serbia, Switzerland suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat. Despite having more of the ball and creating more chances, Murat Yakin’s men were not clinical enough. The home team will have to put up a better performance if they are to win here.
Denmark are currently second in Group 4 of League A thanks to two wins from their three outings. While their overall performances have been decent, the visitors are heading into this fixture on the back of a defeat.
Lars Knudsen’s men lost 1-0 to European champions Spain. They were the second best team on the night by a long distance and did not really deserve to get a point. But, Denmark will be hoping to return to winning ways against Switzerland. The Hard Tackle takes a close look at both teams and predicts the tactics they could put to use.
Team News & Tactics
Switzerland
The home team have no fresh injury concerns, and head coach Murat Yakin is unlikely to make any major changes. Switzerland will line up a 5-4-1 against Denmark, with Gregor Kobel taking charge in between the sticks.
Silvan Widmer and Michel Aebischer will feature as the wing-backs, while Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, and Ricardo Rodriguez will take charge in the heart of the defence. The backline will be looking to keep a clean sheet and help the team return to winning ways.
Zeki Amdouni and Dan Ndoye in a wide role in midfield. The two will look to provide width to their attacks. In the centre of the park, Remo Freuler will partner with Bayer Leverkusen star Granit Xhaka. The duo will try to control the tempo of the game. Breel Embolo should continue to lead the line.
Probable Lineup (5-4-1): Kobel; Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez, Aebischer; Amdouni, Freuler, Xhaka, Ndoye; Embolo
Denmark
Even Denmark do not have any fresh injury concerns. But, caretaker manager Lars Knudsen will look to make a few changes to the XI that started against Spain. Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund should return to the starting XI.
The visitors will line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Kasper Schmeichel in goal. The back will comprise of Rasmus Kristensen, Victor Nelsson and Jannik Vestergaard. They will look to keep things tight at the back and will have the support of Alexander Bah and Victor Kristiansen who will feature as the wing-backs.
In the centre of the park, Morten Hjulmand will pair up with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The duo will shield the backline and provide a solid base to attack from. Christian Eriksen and Yussuf Poulsen could feature on the flanks. Eriksen will take up more of a number ten role, and Poulsen could look to support Rasmus Hojlund who will start up top as their striker.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Schmeichel; Kristensen, Vestergaard, Nelsson; Bah, Hjulmand, Hojbjerg, Kristiansen; Eriksen, Hojlund, Poulsen
Key Stats
- Switzerland have lost all three of their UEFA Nations League games, extending their overall run to four defeats in a row.
- Denmark have won two out of their last five games across competitions.
- The reverse fixture between the two teams ended 2-0 in favour of the visitors.
- Switzerland have not won any of their last seven outings against Denmark.
Player to Watch
Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund has had a difficult start to the new season, and he has found the back of the net just once so far. The young striker will be starting this fixture and will be eager to get his name on the scoresheet. While things have not gone according to plan for him, the 21-year-old surely has all the talent in the world to turn things around.
Prediction
Switzerland 2-2 Denmark
Switzerland have lost all three of their UEFA Nations League games heading into this fixture, and they will have a tough time battling it out with Denmark who defeated them in the reverse fixture without much difficulty. But, the home side might just manage to get their first points in this fixture. The Hard Tackle predicts a hard-fought 2-2 draw between the two teams.
