Ireland vs Switzerland Preview
Following goalless draws in their first March friendlies, the Republic of Ireland and Euro 2024-bound Switzerland will meet in Dublin next. Ireland emerged with a creditable result from their weekend game against Belgium, while their Swiss counterparts held Denmark in Copenhagen. However, for the Irish, it meant a lot more than the Swiss as they struggled to make an impression over the last year or so. A lack of a permanent manager meant they failed to make much impression in European Championship qualifying, eventually not qualifying.
However, a competitive performance against the Belgians showed that there is some life left in Ireland and that should, hopefully, continue against Switzerland. Die Nati did well against Denmark last time around in a tough and close-fought goalless draw but things aren’t going well. While they have qualified for Euro 2024, head coach Murat Yakin has drawn criticism for his management style and their recent results.
That includes just one win since a 3-0 win over Andorra in September 2023 with four draws and a loss in the five games since then. However, with Euro 2024 coming around the corner, Die Nati could use a good run of results and given just how close the tournament is, it’s high time they start now.
Ireland vs Switzerland team news
Ireland team news
After his first team selection as temporary manager was a relative success, John O’Shea may not make too many changes for his second game. His only major injury concerns are the fact that both Troy Parrott and Liam Scales had to withdraw from the squad due to injury. However, Ryan Manning and Under-21 players Joe Hodge and Andy Moran have been called up as cover. Beyond that, O’Shea has his best possible squad available with no major injury issues.
Switzerland team news
Unlike interim Irish boss John O’Shea, Murat Yakin has a few problems. Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has already left the squad to get treatment for an injury, and Yann Sommer has now suffered an ankle injury which leaves Lorient stopper Yvon Mvogo. Even, Mvogo isn’t fully fit but he might be the only option left for Yakin unless he calls up another star to help out. Beyond that, the Swiss have no major concerns outside long-term absentee Breel Embolo but Yakin has enough options to cover.
Ireland vs Switzerland predicted lineups
Ireland
Although Matt Doherty and Festy Ebosele are vying for a place on Ireland’s right flank, captain Seamus Coleman made a successful return following injury and could start again. Sammie Szmodics – the Championship’s 21-goal top scorer – finally made his international debut, and he may again join Chiedozie Ogbene in supporting Evan Ferguson up front.
Predicted XI: Kelleher; Omobamidele, Collins, O’Brien; Coleman, Cullen, Smallbone, Brady; Ogbene, Szmodics; Ferguson
Switzerland
With their goalkeeper situation, Murat Yakin’s hands are tied for now although beyond that he has no major injury issues which should see a similar lineup to their goalless draw against Denmark.
Predicted XI: Mvogo; Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Ndoye, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer, Vargas; Okafor, Amdouni
Predicted Score: Ireland vs Switzerland (1-0)
Ireland vs Switzerland head-to-head
Played: 18; Ireland: 8, Draw: 4, Switzerland: 6
Switzerland 2-0 Ireland (European Qualifiers)
Ireland 1-1 Switzerland (European Qualifiers)
Ireland 1-0 Switzerland (Friendly)
Ireland 0-0 Switzerland (WC Qualifiers Europe)
Switzerland 1-1 Ireland (WC Qualifiers Europe)
Ireland vs Switzerland betting tips
Betting tips
Both teams to score: No
Over 2.25 goals: Yes
Odds
Ireland: 3.30
Draw: 3.34
Switzerland: 2.30
Ireland vs Switzerland timings and telecast
- Aviva Stadium – March 26th – 7.45pm GMT
- India: Sony LIV
- United Kingdom: Not available to watch on TV but available via Viaplay Sports Online
- US: Virgin Media Two
Also Read: England vs Belgium Prediction and Betting Tips | Friendlies