The Stats Zone
September 4 2019, 15:13 · Joe Rutter

EURO 2020 – UEFA European Qualifiers – Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland Preview & Prediction

EURO 2020 – UEFA European Qualifiers – Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland Preview & Prediction
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THE FACTS

When does Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland kick off? Thursday 5th August, 2019 – 19:45 (UK)

Where is Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland being played? Aviva Stadium

What is the weather forecast for Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland? Cloudy, 13

What television channel is Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland on? Sky have the rights to UEFA European Qualifiers matches in the UK, so it is worth checking the Sky Sports schedule

Where can I stream Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland? If the match is televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go

What was the score when the teams last met? Republic of Ireland 0-0 Switzerland

THE TEAM NEWS

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

  • Republic of Ireland top Group D with 10 points from four games but Switzerland have two games in hand, so this is a crucial match between the two sides expected to contest top spot.
  • Matt Doherty, James McCarthy, Sean Maguire and Keiren Westwood are unavailable due to injury, so manager Mick McCarthy has handed call-ups to Kieran O'Hara, Cyrus Christie and James Collins.
  • All of the players who started against Gibraltar in June are available so McCarthy could name an unchanged side, although centre-back John Egan is pushing for a start having started the season well with Sheffield United.

Predicted line-up (4-2-2): Randolph; Coleman, Duffy, Keogh, Stevens; Robinson, Hendrick, Hourihane, McClean; McGoldrick, Hogan

Unavailable: Doherty (Injured), Westwood (Injured), Maguire (Injured), McCarthy (Injured), Arter (Injured)

Doubtful:

SWITZERLAND

  • Switzerland have only played two EURO 2020 qualifiers because they were involved in the Nations League finals in June, where they finished in fourth place after losing on penalties to England.
  • Star man Xherdan Shaqiri has declined to play for the time being as he wants to focus on his club career, while Steven Zuber, Djibril Sow and Norwich duo Josip Drmic and Timm Klose are not fit.
  • Breel Embolo or Admir Mehmedi are likely to replace Shaqiri in attack, but otherwise it is likely to be a similar team to the one that started against England.

Predicted line-up (3-5-2): Sommer; Elvedi, Schar, Akanji; Mbabu, Fernandes, Xhaka, Freuler, Rodriguez; Embolo, Seferovic

Unavailable: Shaqiri (Personal reasons), Zuber (Injured), Sow (Injured), Klose (Injured), Drmic (Injured)

Doubtful:

THE PREDICTION

Ireland have only lost one of their last 12 European Championship qualifiers and have not lost one at home since 2010, winning their last five at the Aviva Stadium. Switzerland have an impressive recent record in qualifying themselves but with Shariqi missing, the Boys in Green are worth a punt.