Switzerland v England: Betting Preview

Internationals / Feizal Rahman / 06 September 2010 / Leave a Comment

Can Jermain maintain his hot streak against the Swiss?

"The [1.9] on England picking up a win here then seems rather generous."

They may have pulled off a shock at the World Cup but the Swiss have a poor recent record in internationals. Feizal Rahman believes England can pick up three points in Basle on Tuesday night.

Against Bulgaria, England predictably proved capable of rolling over a weaker nation within the comfortable climes of Wembley Stadium. An away trip to Switzerland for Tuesday's Group G Euro 2012 qualifier may provide a sterner test for the national side.

The Swiss were Fabio Capello's first opponents as England manager - the Italian overseeing a 2-1 home win - but only six players from the squad for his debut game remain. The current group has shown promising signs for the future in their last two fixtures but only the foolish and forgetful would seek to raise expectations to the levels they were before South Africa.

Switzerland caused the shock of the World Cup by beating Spain in their opening group game but were unable to capitalize on that win and failed to reach the knockout stage. Having also flopped on home soil in Euro 2008, the Swiss do not hold a great record at the highest level.

Match Odds

Managed by former Bayern Munich head coach, Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland won three of their five World Cup qualifiers at home but their only defeat was an embarrassing reverse to lowly Luxembourg. Having lost all three of their warm-up games for the World Cup, the Swiss are now winless in the last six home internationals.

England, meanwhile, won four of their five away trips in qualifying for South Africa - the sole defeat coming against Ukraine, having already secured top berth in the group. Other than that loss, England's only upsets abroad under Capello have been in friendlies against Brazil, France and Spain. The [1.9] on England picking up a win here then seems rather generous, with Switzerland [4.8] and The Draw [3.7].

Under 2.5 Goals/Correct Score

Well-marshaled at the back and efficient in midfield, Switzerland are better equipped at frustrating their opposition than outplaying them. Scoring goals seems to be a major issue for the Swiss, with only four to their name in the last ten games.

Nine of their previous 10 matches have produced two goals or under, with eight of those games providing just one goal or none. Under 2.5 Goals looks fairly priced at [1.78] but some may be tempted by the [3.3] on offer for Under 1.5 Goals.

Each of England's away wins in World Cup qualifying were by two goals or more and, with the exception of the World Cup finals and those three defeats on foreign soil, England haven't failed to score on their travels under Capello.

The partnership of Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe against Bulgaria gave reason to be cheerful; the former setting up a hat-trick for the latter. By playing Rooney in a withdrawn role, Capello got his tactics spot on but may adapt for the Swiss given the likely presence of the combative holding midfielder, Gokhan Inler.

However, England can be relied on to score at least once without reply so backing 0-1 and 0-2 in the Correct Score market at [6.8] and [9.2] respectively market may reward.

England Win To Nil

Despite the comfortable-looking scoreline against Bulgaria, England were exposed at the back on occasions and might have conceded were it not for Joe Hart, who is fast establishing himself as the undisputed number one. With full-backs Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson marauding forward, space can often be left for the opposition to exploit so covering midfielders need to be on alert.

In central defence, Michael Dawson picked up a serious knee injury that rules him out for at least six weeks so Bolton's Gary Cahill is expected to make his first start for in a Three Lions shirt alongside the in-form Phil Jagielka. Given the Swiss strife in front of goal, England can be taken to win to nil at [2.4].

Half Time/Full Time

Switzerland's last 10 fixtures have ended level at half time with goals scored before the break in just two of those games - a clear indicator that the Swiss keep it extremely tight for the first 45 minutes. The [5.1] about Draw/England in the Half Time/Full Time market appeals, with a 0-0 Half Time Score around [2.5].

Best Bet: England Win To Nil @ [2.4]

Recommended Bet: Draw/England @ [5.1]