Scotland vs Switzerland Prediction: Euro 2024 Team News and Lineups Preview

We’ve had a full round of fixtures to feast our eyes on, and now Matthew O’Regan has his Scotland vs Switzerland prediction, team news, line-ups and fixtures preview. In the tournament curtain-raiser, Scotland were embarrassed by hosts Germany, losing 5-1, while just having one shot.

It was an opposite performance for Switzerland who looked dominant in their 3-1 victory over a well-fancied Hungary side. A point for the Swiss will all but secure their passage into the next round, while Scotland will need a win to keep their hopes alive in Group A.

• Scotland vs Switzerland Tip 1: Switzerland to Win
• Scotland vs Switzerland Tip 2: Kwadwo Duah to Score
• Scotland vs Switzerland Tip 3: Both Teams 2+ Cards

Scotland vs Switzerland Prediction 1: Swiss Don’t Miss

Germany, Euro 2024, Wednesday, June 19th, 18:00 (UK)

Scotland went into the curtain-raiser against tournament hosts Germany full of hope and promise. A positive qualifying campaign had given the Scots optimism of a good Euro 2024 campaign. This optimism was dashed after 10 minutes when Florian Wirtz opened the scoring for Germany. Steve Clarke’s side couldn’t lay a glove on Germany, eventually losing 5-1, recording just one shot – a scuffed Scott McKenna header that eventually found its way in off Anthony Rudiger. 

Scotland looked devoid of ideas, with Scott McTominay and John Mcginn, in particular, struggling to move forward and support the isolated Che Adams.

It was a poor performance from minute one that Clarke will be keen to put behind them, with two crunch fixtures on the horizon. Firstly, a clash with Switzerland in Cologne. After being on the end of such a demoralising defeat, Scotland have a big task on their hands to dust themselves off and get a result against Switzerland. 

Dusting Down

Despite a shaky qualifying campaign, Murat Yakin’s side was dominant in defeating Hungary 1-3. Switzerland dominated the match from minute one and were comfortable throughout – bar a 15-minute spell in which Hungary pulled a goal back. 

Yakin is blessed with fantastic talent at his disposal. In goal, Yann Sommer has just won another league title with Inter Milan. The ever-green Ricardo Rodriguez, Manchester City’s treble-winning centre-back Manuel Akanji and Newcastle’s roaming centre-back Fabian Schar provide a solid three in front of the shot-stopper. Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler provide steel and tenacity in midfield, while creativity is delivered by the dazzling duo of Ruben Vargas and Dan Ndoye, with the latter particularly impressive in the opener. 

The Swiss also pack a punch off the bench. The supremely talented Breel Embolo has endured an injury-ridden season for Monaco but still came off the bench to finish the game off. Switzerland also didn’t call on Xherdan Shaqiri and AC Milan’s Noah Okafor – two more potent attackers in the armoury. 

Switzerland dominated in the opener and will fancy their chances against an out-of-sorts Scotland.

• Scotland vs Switzerland Prediction 1: Switzerland Win 
• Best Odds: 1.85
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10

Scotland vs Switzerland Prediction 2: Duah goal

Many eyebrows were raised at the announcement of the Swiss starting lineup vs Hungary, with Kwadwo Duah given the nod upfront. The 27-year-old was given his international debut in the 4-0 drubbing of Estonia, but not many predicted he would be trusted with a start on Saturday. 

It took just 12 minutes for Duah to repay this faith, clinically finishing past a despairing Peter Gulasci 1 on 1-to set Switzerland on the way to a fantastic 3-1 victory. Duah has enjoyed a stellar season for Ludogorets in Bulgaria. The 27-year-old enjoyed 13 league goals in his debut campaign. 

He was equally as impressive against Hungary. His pace and strength coupled with his link-up play and clinical finishing made him a handful for Marco Rossi’s side all game. 

It would not be as much of a surprise if Duah finds himself in the starting lineup again on Wednesday, and is a very generous 3.75 to double his tally for the competition, especially against a weak Scotland defence.

• Scotland vs Switzerland Prediction 2: Kwadwo Duah to Score
• Best Odds: 3.75
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10

Scotland vs Switzerland Prediction 3: Cologne smells of cards

With 4/6 third-place teams progressing to the knockout rounds, it is often hard to gauge how many points will be necessary to progress. However, in the last Euros, Ukraine went through after losing two games and winning one. So it is fair to assume that this year four points will be enough to progress to the knockouts. 

Therefore, Switzerland will be keen to secure their passage into the last 16 before their final group game against Germany, so we should see Murat Yakin’s side particularly fired up. Their opening game against Hungary saw both teams receive two cards, with this bet winning in four of their last five competitive games. 

Scotland’s drubbing by Germany also saw both teams receive at least two cards, despite the heavy scoreline and the lack of competitive edge after 20 minutes. This game has already entered into must-win territory for Steve Clarke, so there should be a huge competitive edge. Five of their eight qualification games saw both teams receiving two or more cards, with Scotland averaging over 3 cards per game. 

An added caveat to card bets is the new ruling by UEFA. Any player approaching the referee to protest a decision (except for the captain) will be booked. In a game where tension and frustration will be high, don’t be surprised to see a few players cross the line. 

• Scotland vs Switzerland Prediction 3: Both Teams to Receive 2+ Cards
• Best Odds: Awaiting Odds
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Scotland vs Switzerland Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:00, June 16th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Scotland vs Switzerland Euro 2024 Team News and Possible Lineups: Scottish Dilemma

Steve Clarke alternated between a back four and a back five in qualifying, opting for the back five vs Germany. In a game they must win and without Ryan Porteous due to suspension, it remains to be seen on whether Clarke will stick with the five back, or twist for a more adventurous 4-2-3-1.

They were perhaps missing control and were overrun by Germany, so don’t be surprised to see Brighton’s Billy Gilmour into the side. After 31 goals in 47 games this season, Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland will fancy his chances of starting. 

Murat Yakin raised eyebrows with his selection of Ludogorets striker Kwadwo Duah against Hungary, with his gamble paying off. He also opted to bench Breel Embolo fresh off an injury-ridden season. He may be trusted from the start against Scotland in place of Ruben Vargas.

He also sprung a surprise by moving Dan Ndoye to the front three, allowing his Bologna teammate Michel Aebischer to fill in at left wing-back. Noah Okafor and Xherdan Shaqiri were both banished to the bench and didn’t play a minute, with the latter in particular struggling for fitness. 

Scotland possible starting lineup:
Gunn; Ralston, Mckenna, Hendry, Tierney, Robertson; Gilmour, Christie, McGinn, McTominay; Shankland

Switzerland possible starting lineup:
Sommer; Widmer, Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez, Aebischer; Xhaka, Freuler; Ndoye, Embolo; Duah

Euro 2024 Match Stats: Record-Breaking Scots

• Six of the last seven meetings have seen BTTS
• Scotland’s 5-1 loss to Germany was the biggest margin of victory for any side in the opening match of the tournament .
• It was also Germany’s record Euro win
• Switzerland have only ever made it through the Euros groups twice

Scotland Group A Euro 2024 Fixtures: Uphill battle for Scots

• Vs Switzerland
• Vs Hungary

Switzerland Group A Euro 2024 Fixtures: A point is all that’s needed

• Vs Scotland
• Vs Germany

Safer Gambling

At bettingexpert, we always take a safe approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Safer Gambling hub.