Switzerland are set to take on Kosovo on Friday, 5 September, as World Cup qualifying gets underway in Europe.
Switzerland are looking to qualify for the tournament for the sixth consecutive time, while Kosovo are on the hunt for their first-ever appearance at the finals.
As part of our latest round of World Cup qualifying betting tips, here is our Switzerland vs Kosovo prediction below.
Contents
Switzerland vs Kosovo prediction: An easy night ahead for the hosts
Key Stats
- Switzerland's last three victories have all been against teams ranked higher than Kosovo in the FIFA World Rankings.
- Kosovo have failed to score in each of their last five defeats.
- Switzerland have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three home World Cup qualifiers.
Correct score prediction: Switzerland 3-0 Kosovo
Switzerland have enough quality to see off the threat of Kosovo, especially as the visitors haven't been used to playing teams of Switzerland's calibre for a while now, due to their Nations League commitments. When Kosovo lose, they usually do so without putting up much of a fight, and that feels very much on the cards on Friday night.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The visitors are big underdogs
- HOME: 4/11 (1.36) – 73.3%
- DRAW: 4/1 (5.00) – 20%
- AWAY: 13/2 (5.50) – 13.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Switzerland vs Kosovo odds illustrate just how much the gulf in quality is between these two nations, with most bookmakers not giving the visitors much of a chance. Ladbrokes have made Switzerland the heavy favourites and have given them a 73.3% chance of winning the match, while Kosovo have been given just a 13.3% chance of recording an away victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Nothing to split them
Interestingly, Kosovo have fared pretty well against Switzerland in all three of the previous clashes between these two nations. They have only met three times in the past, with all three clashes coming in the last four years, and every one of them has ended all square. Kosovo would be more than happy for another draw this week.
Euro 2023 Qualifying 18/11/23
Switzerland
Kosovo
Euro 2023 Qualifying 09/09/23
Kosovo
Switzerland
International Match 29/03/22
Switzerland
Kosovo
Switzerland preview: Akanji ready despite deadline day move
Manuel Akanji has made himself available for selection for Switzerland despite being involved in a last-minute transfer to Inter Milan. Upon completing his move to the Italian club, the defender travelled to Switzerland to join up with the rest of the squad. Another familiar face in the Switzerland line-up will be Granit Xhaka, who is now plying his trade at Sunderland.
Predicted lineup: Kobel (GK), Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez, Freuler, Xhaka, Sierro, Ndoye, Vargas, Embolo
Last five matches
- USA 0-4 Switzerland
- Mexico 2-4 Switzerland
- Switzerland 3-1 Luxembourg
- Northern Ireland 1-1 Switzerland
- Spain 3-2 Switzerland
Kosovo preview: Injury woes to scupper chances?
Kosovo have been dealt a double blow this week as two key players have been forced to withdraw from the squad through injury. Florent Hadergjonaj and Edon Zhegrova have both returned to their club for treatment, and replacements have been called up. Goalkeeper Arijanet Muric will have to be on top form for Kosovo to get anything from this match.
Predicted lineup: Muric (GK), Vojvoda, Am, Rrahmani, Dellova, Paqarada, Rexhbecaj, Berisha, Krasniqi, Rashica, Muslija, Muriqi
Last five matches
- Kosovo 4-2 Comoros
- Kosovo 5-2 Armenia
- Iceland 1-3 Kosovo
- Kosovo 2-1 Iceland
- Kosovo 1-0 Lithuania
Player to watch: Breel Embolo
Breel Embolo didn't have the most prolific of seasons for Monaco last year, but he has continued to produce on the international stage. Embolo has scored three goals in four appearances for Switzerland this year, and he will need to bring that type of form into World Cup qualifying if Switzerland are to achieve their targets.