Switzerland vs Algeria Predictions
Switzerland looked strong in the group stage, while Algeria showed plenty of attacking threat in their final two fixtures.
With both teams dangerous going forward but vulnerable defensively, BTTS is my best bet at BC Place.
I also like the chances of a 90-minute draw in Canada.
Goals Expected in Vancouver
- Switzerland have seen BTTS in 8 of their last 9 matches
- Switzerland scored an average of 2.22 goals per game in their last 9 matches
- Switzerland drew 5 of their last 10 matches
- Algeria have seen BTTS in their last 2 matches
- Algeria scored an average of 2.42 goals per game in their last 7 matches
Switzerland Hold Perfect H2H Record
Switzerland and Algeria have met on two previous occasions. The Swiss won both matches, claiming friendly victories in 1983 and 1986.
Friday's World Cup contest will be the first competitive meeting between the nations.
Switzerland Impress in Group B
Switzerland make the trip to Vancouver after an impressive 2-1 win against Canada in their final Group B fixture. Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored second-half goals as Murat Yakin's side secured top spot in the section.
In a tight contest, the Swiss were a little fortunate to hold on for victory in Vancouver. Canada finished the contest with more efforts on goal (13-6) and a higher xG total (1.66-1.11).
Before their hard-fought win against Canada, the Swiss claimed a dominant 4-1 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina after opening their campaign with a surprise 1-1 draw against Qatar.
Seven points from three matches was enough to send Yakin's side through as Group B winners.
Switzerland have looked dangerous in the final third, scoring seven goals in their three group fixtures. Over a longer period, the Swiss have averaged over two goals per game across their last ten matches.
Defensive issues remain a source of concern, though. Switzerland have conceded at least once in eight of their last nine matches, with all eight games finishing with both teams on the scoresheet.
Algeria Share Six Goals With Austria
Algeria arrive in Vancouver after a wild 3-3 draw against Austria, secured their place in the knockout phase.
Riyad Mahrez appeared to have sent the Desert Foxes through with a stoppage-time goal, only for Austria to equalise almost immediately in an incredible finale at Arrowhead Stadium.
With both teams needing a point to progress, a tight contest had been expected, but both sides showed their attacking intent in an absorbing and surprisingly entertaining World Cup clash.
Vladimir Petkovic's men began their World Cup campaign with a 3-0 defeat against Argentina, but bounced back with a 2-1 victory against Jordan.
Like Switzerland, defensive issues remain an issue. Algeria conceded seven goals in Group J, and they could struggle to contain a Swiss attack that impressed in the group phase.
Both of Algeria's last two matches finished with BTTS.
The African qualifiers have proven dangerous in the final third. Vladimir Petkovic's side scored in all but three of their last 15 international fixtures.
Squads and Team News
Switzerland Squad
Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, Yvon Mvogo, Marvin Keller
Defenders: Miro Muheim, Silvan Widmer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez, Eray Comert, Aurele Amenda, Luca Jaquez
Midfielders: Denis Zakaria, Remo Freuler, Johan Manzambi, Granit Xhaka, Ardon Jashari, Djibril Sow, Christian Fassnacht, Michel Aebischer, Fabian Rieder
Forwards: Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas, Noah Okafor, Zeki Amdouni, Cedric Itten
Switzerland are likely to keep faith with much of the side that started against Canada. Silvan Widmer is the only reported injury worry for the Europeans.
Johan Manzambi will retain his place after scoring three goals in three group phase appearances.
Algeria Squad
Goalkeepers: Melvin Mastil, Oussama Benbot, Luca Zidane
Defenders: Aissa Mandi, Achref Abada, Mohamed Amine Tougai, Zineddine Belaid, Jaouen Hadjam, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rafik Belghali, Ramy Bensebaini, Samir Chergui
Midfielders: Ramiz Zerrouki, Houssem Aouar, Fares Chaibi, Hicham Boudaoui, Nabil Bentaleb, Ibrahim Maza, Yacine Titraoui
Forwards: Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa, Nadhir Benbouali, Mohamed Amoura, Adil Boulbina, Fares Ghedjemis
Algeria head coach Petkovic has one confirmed absentee ahead of Friday's knockout tie. Mohamed Amoura misses out with a hamstring issue, leaving Amine Gouiri likely to continue in attack.
Mahrez should also start after scoring his first goal of the tournament against Austria.