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Kick-off: 5 September @ 19:45 CET
Venue: St. Jakob-Park (Basel, Switzerland)
Past meetings
Slovenia v Switzerland 1-0 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Switzerland v Slovenia 1-0 (2014 World Cup qualifier)
Slovenia v Switzerland 0-2 (2014 World Cup qualifier)
Switzerland v Slovenia 2-1 (International friendly)
Slovenia v Switzerland 1-5 (International friendly)
Switzerland
Last 5 matches:
Poland v Switzerland 2-2 (International friendly)
Switzerland v Estonia 3-0 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Switzerland v USA 1-1 (International friendly)
Switzerland v Liechtenstein 3-0 (International friendly)
Lithuania v Switzerland 1-2 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Team News:
Switzerland head into the important qualifier vs Slovenia with a near full strength squad, although Hamburg defender Johan Djourou (55/1) has been ruled out through thigh injury and has been replaced by Fabian Lustenberger (1/0).
First choice goalkeeper Yann Sommer missed some training with a knee problem, but should be fit to start, and there have been no other issues for boss Vladimir Petkovic over the last few days.
Timm Klose is the favourite to replace Johan Djourou in the heart of defence, with the remaining positions to be filled by tried and tested footballers with plenty of international experience.
Players to watch: Haris Seferovic, Xherdan Shaqiri.
Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Sommer – Lichtsteiner, Klose, Schar, Rodriguez – Inler, Behrami, G. Xhaka – Shaqiri, Seferovic, Mehmedi.
Slovenia
Last 5 matches:
England v Slovenia 3-1 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Slovenia v Colombia 0-1 (International friendly)
Slovenia v San Marino 6-0 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Qatar v Slovenia 1-0 (International friendly)
Slovenia v England 2-3 (Euro 2021 qualifier)
Team News:
Nejc Skubic and Nik Kapun have received their first ever call-ups, although the latter has since been relegated to the Under-21 side. Rene Krhin (16/1) and Dalibor Stevanovic (20/1) return to the international fold after a short absence.
The biggest surprise is the fact that Nurnberg defender Miso Brecko (75/0) has been omitted, with Tim Matavz (29/10) and Ales Mertelj (16/0) also left out of the roster.
With Jan Oblak (5/0) doubtful through injury, Samir Handanovic will continue between the sticks, whereas Josip Ilicic (29/2) and Milivoje Novakovic (69/30) are expected to start up front.
Players to watch: Josip Ilicic, Milivoje Novakovic.
Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): J. Handanovic – Jokic, Cesar, Ilic, Struna – Stevanovic, Kurtic – Birsa, Ilicic, Kampl – Novakovic.
Switzerland v Slovenia betting odds & tips
*Having won last four qualifiers, Switzerland are 1.50 (1/2) to defeat Slovenia and all but secure their place at the tournament finals.
*Slovenia trail their next opponents by three points in the overall standings, but having been pretty disappointing on the road, it is not surprising that away win pays 8.00 (7/1).
*With both sides looking for a win to boost their qualifying hopes, it is important to note that over 2.5 goals is 2.15 (23/20).
