Switzerland vs Slovenia – News and Probable Lineups

Securing maximum points thus far, Suíça aims for their third victory in a week when they take on Eslovênia in the UEFA Nations League this Saturday evening.

The Swiss team looks to maintain their hold on the top position, though Eslovênia, their closest rivals in League B Group 1, can climb to the summit with a win in Lucerne.

Match overview

Staying true to their status as the favorites for promotion from Group 1, Suíça cruised to a 3-0 victory against Escócia on Tuesday night, highlighted by Zeki Amdouni netting his third goal in two matches.

Following earlier goals from defensive pair Ricardo Rodriguez and Nico Elvedi, Amdouni’s late tally sealed the result at Hampden Park, with the visitors capitalizing on their opponent being reduced to 10 men for over 80 minutes.

Ranked 14th by FIFA after their recent journey to the World Cup quarter-finals and frequent appearances in the knockout stages of major tournaments, Murat Yakin’s side will be expected to secure first place.

Yakin faced significant criticism when Suíça gathered only two points during their last Nations League outing, but they are currently on track to rebound from that relegation.

With two more fixtures remaining in this current series, Die Nati is set to take on second-placed Eslovênia as well as struggling North Macedonia on home ground.

Eslovênia secured their initial win of the Nations League campaign by beating North Macedonia in Ljubljana on Tuesday, after managing to earn a 0-0 draw against Escócia in their opener.

After the break, midfielder Sandri Lovric found the net, and Aljosa Matko followed with his first international strike towards the end.

Thus, head coach Bostjan Cesar remains unbeaten in competitive matches, with an overall record of two wins, two defeats, and two draws.

Cesar’s appointment followed disappointing outcomes in the previous Nations League and World Cup qualifiers, where Eslovênia ended up third in their group.

At the top of that group were Saturday’s hosts, having triumphed 3-0 when Eslovênia visited Suíça just over a year ago.

Accounting for that defeat, Eslovênia has experienced four losses in their last six encounters, indicating that historical trends are not favoring the visitors.

Team News

Neither captain Granit Xhaka nor key forward Breel Embolo received calls for Suíça duty, reportedly due to having admitted to utilizing a fraudulent COVID-19 certificate several years back.

This has deprived the hosts of 244 caps worth of experience, with the significant duo contributing a combined 44 international goals; however, Amdouni is stepping up admirably in Embolo’s absence.

In light of a busy schedule, Yakin might look to rotate his squad, although Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye is expected to retain his place following two assists on Monday.

Johan Manzambi, a standout from the World Cup’s opening fortnight, has started both matches so far, coming back from a knee injury that unfortunately cut short his first major tournament experience.

Meanwhile, Eslovênia’s leading player Benjamin Sesko is sidelined for this camp due to a persistent shin issue. In his absence, Swansea City forward Zan Vipotnik is likely to spearhead the attack in Lucerne.

As always, captain and goalkeeper Jan Oblak will be in goal, marking his 87th international appearance.

Suíça probable starting XI:

Kobel; Britschgi, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Freuler, Sow; Ndoye, Manzambi, Monteiro; Amdouni

Eslovênia probable starting XI:

Cloud; Karnicnik, Bijol, Brekalo, Janza; Cerin, Elsnik; Begic, Lovric, Sturm; Vipotnik

The hosts are in excellent form despite the loss of two key players, and early indications imply they should comfortably reclaim their place in League A.

Consequently, Suíça is on track to achieve maximum points by the halfway mark, while inconsistent Eslovênia could face another setback on Swiss soil.