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Switzerland are aiming to reach the Round of 16 of the World Cup for the fourth consecutive tournament when they face Algeria at BC Place in Canada on Friday.
The Swiss booked their place in the Round of 32 as Group B winners after beating Canada 2-1 in their final group match.
Algeria's route to the knockout stages has been far from straightforward, but a dramatic 3-3 draw with Austria was enough to send both sides through to the Round of 32.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions. Additionally, take a look at our best World Cup betting offers to give yourself the best chance of making some profit.
Switzerland vs Algeria key stats
- Switzerland have scored first in each of their last five matches.
- Algeria have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three matches.
- Johan Manzambi has registered three goals and an assist for Switzerland.
- Riyad Mahrez has made three goal contributions for Algeria.
Switzerland vs Algeria preview: Emotional game for Vladimir Petkovic
| Switzerland | vs | Algeria |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | FIFA Ranking | 28 |
| Granit Xhaka – 149 | Most Caps | Aissa Mandi – 122 |
| Breel Embolo – 25 | Most Goals | Riyad Mahrez – 40 |
| 1180 | Total Caps | 822 |
| 131 | Total Goals | 126 |
| Zero | Uncapped Players | Zero |
Switzerland recovered from an opening 1-1 draw with Qatar by winning their next two matches, finishing unbeaten in the group stage with seven goals scored.
The Swiss deserve credit for finishing above Canada, with quickfire second-half goals from Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas sealing a crucial victory in their final group game.
The winners of this tie will face either Colombia or Ghana in the Round of 16, and Switzerland will fancy their chances of going even further if they can progress on Friday.
Murat Yakin's side are unbeaten in their last nine competitive matches, while Johan Manzambi has emerged as one of the stars of the tournament with three goals and one assist in his last three games.
Silvan Widmer is managing a thigh injury and remains Switzerland's only injury concern, while Dan Ndoye could start with Djibril Sow making way.
Vladimir Petkovic is eyeing Algeria's first-ever World Cup knockout victory, and few know Switzerland better than the former Swiss head coach.
Petkovic spent seven years in charge of Switzerland, leading them to three major tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup, making Friday's reunion an emotional occasion.
Riyad Mahrez rolled back the years with a brace against Austria to fire Algeria into the knockout rounds, and the former Manchester City winger will hope to inspire his side once again.
Petkovic is expected to recall Rayan Ait-Nouri at left-back in place of Jaouen Hadjam, while Mohamed Amoura remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The two nations have never met in a competitive match, although Switzerland won both of their previous friendly meetings in the 1980s.
Switzerland vs Algeria form guide & betting tips
| Switzerland | vs | Algeria |
|---|---|---|
WDDWW |
Form | WWLWD |
| 12 | Goals For | 10 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 7 |
DWW |
WORLD CUP | LWD |
Whispers predicts: Switzerland 2-1 Algeria
Switzerland finished top of Group B unbeaten, and they are favourites at 1/1 (2.00) to progress into the Round of 16.
Both Switzerland and Algeria have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last three matches, making BTTS – Yes at 19/20 (1.95) an attractive option.
Johan Manzambi has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the FIFA Young Player Award after registering three goals and one assist in his last three games, and the Swiss midfielder is priced at 10/3 (4.33) to score again.
> Over 2.5 goals at 6/5 (2.2) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Probable
> Switzerland to score first at 4/5 (1.8) | Likelihood: Probable
> Johan Manzambi to score anytime at 10/3 (4.33)| Likelihood: Outsider
> Riyad Mahrez to score anytime at 17/5 (4.4) | Likelihood: Outsider