Serbia vs Switzerland Prediction: 12/10/2024

In the previous edition of Nations League B, Serbia was dominant and secured promotion to League A. This year, however, they expect more challenges and currently sit in third place, three points behind the second spot. In September, Serbia began their campaign by holding Spain to a 0-0 draw at home but lost to Denmark 2-0 three days later.

Serbia’s Euro 2024 run was disappointing as Stefan Mitrovic’s team finished last in Group C, behind England, Denmark, and Slovenia, managing just two points from three matches. Meanwhile, Switzerland, which competed in the last Nations League among the elite, finished third in their group behind Spain and Portugal, missing out on a spot in the final four by just two points.

In this year’s Nations League campaign, Switzerland got off to a poor start in September, losing to Denmark 2-0 and Spain 4-1, leaving them at the bottom of the group. However, during Euro 2024, Switzerland showed promise. Despite losing to Germany in Group A, they went on to defeat Italy 2-0 in the Round of 16 before suffering a heart-breaking loss to England in the quarterfinals, eliminated in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.

For Serbia, some key players are absent from the current squad. Goalkeeper Petrovic (Strasbourg) has not been called up, nor have midfielders Belic (AZ Alkmaar) and Mitrovic (Louvain), and more surprisingly, striker Vlahovic (Juventus). Additionally, defenders Terzic (Salzburg) and Veljkovic (Werder Bremen), midfielder Milinkovic-Savic (Al Hilal), and team veteran Tadic (Fenerbahce), who recently retired from international football, are all missing.

However, starting players from the first two Nations League matches, including goalkeeper Rajkovic (Al-Ittihad), defenders Milenkovic (Nottingham Forest) and Pavlovic (AC Milan), midfielders Ilic (Torino) and Lukic (Fulham), and attackers Samardzic (Atalanta) and Jovic (AC Milan), are all available. Top scorer Mitrovic (Al Hilal), who was used as a substitute in the last matches, is also in the squad.

For Switzerland, suspensions affect key players. Defender Elvedi (Monchengladbach) and captain Xhaka (Leverkusen) are suspended and thus not included. Additionally, winger Ndoye (Bologna) is unavailable, while former stalwarts Sommer (Inter), Schär (Newcastle), and Shaqiri (Basel) have retired from international duties after Euro 2024. In defense, experienced players Akanji (Manchester City) and Rodriguez (Real Betis) are present.

The midfield could feature Freuler (Bologna) and Zakaria (Monaco), who has been performing well this season. In attack, Embolo (Monaco) is available, and striker Amdouni (Benfica), who scored Switzerland’s only Nations League goal so far, is also expected to play.

 

Prediction

Serbia has not been known for playing particularly thrilling football, with 14 of their last 17 UEFA Nations League matches producing two goals or fewer. Switzerland has followed a similar trend in recent top-tier matches, with nine of Serbia’s last 12 games seeing under 2.5 goals.

Prediction: Serbia 0 : 1 Switzerland