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World Cup tips

Northern Ireland v Switzerland predictions: Baraclough's boys face tougher task

Swiss can claim a valuable Windsor Park victory

Haris Seferovic (right) is a huge goal threat for Switzerland
Haris Seferovic (right) is a huge goal threat for SwitzerlandCredit: Getty Images

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Wednesday's World cup qualifier between Northern Ireland and Switzerland

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football, 7.45pm, Wednesday

Best bet

Switzerland & under 3.5 goals
1pt 13-10 BoyleSports

Team news

Northern Ireland
After making changes for the friendly win over Estonia, Ian Baraclough is expected to name the team that beat Lithuania 4-1 last week.

Switzerland
Midfielder Remo Freuler is available after being banned for the goalless draw against Italy.

Match preview

Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough will be delighted with a 4-1 win over Lithuania and a friendly success over Estonia but now things are going to get a bit tougher.

Switzerland, who reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and beat world champions France on the way, head to Windsor Park buoyed by a goalless draw against Italy on Sunday.

The draw may have been fortunate as Chelsea midfielder Jorginho missed a penalty for the Italians, but they are in a strong position with two games in hand on the European champions and four points to make up in Group C.

So a win in Belfast would be valuable and they should be expected to get it, particularly as Baraclough's boys have struggled for goals on their own patch.

Seven of Northern Ireland's last nine home defeats have featured fewer than four goals and that looks the way to go from a betting perspective.

Switzerland found the net in ten of their 12 away games before the Euros and with a line led by Haris Seferovic, who scored three goals in the tournament, they can greatly trouble the home side and serve Northern Ireland with a reality check.

Key stat

Northern Ireland have scored just four goals in their last eight home matches


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