A BUOYANT Northern Ireland will attempt to make it an unusual three-in-a-row set of wins when they face the Swiss on Wednesday and put themselves right back in the World Cup mix.
Ian Baraclough's side followed up their excellent 4-1 qualifying win in Lithuania with a narrow victory in Estonia, but they would pale into insignificance if they could get the three points against the world's 14th ranked team in Belfast which would draw them level with Switzerland.
Murat Yakin's new charges – he only took over as manager last month – should be confident enough themselves having held group leaders and Euro 2020 champions Italy to a goalless draw in Basel, helped when Jorginho’s tame spot kick was saved by Yann Sommer.
Previously, they defeated Greece in a friendly and they have lost just once in 90 minutes in the last 14 games and that was away in Italy at Euro 2020. They were also unlucky to go out of the Euros on penalties to Spain.
So it's a huge ask for Northern Ireland, who will at least be backed by a loud, passionate home crowd at Windsor Park.
How the bookies view it
The visitors are clear favourites and SBK go 3/4 for an away win. The same firm go 9/2 for a win for Northern Ireland and the draw can be backed at 12/5 at McBookie.com.
Recent head to heads
Switzerland actually qualified for their last World Cup in their previous game against Northern Ireland even though they were held to a goalless draw at home as can be seen below.
It's been a win apiece and two 0-0 draws in their four meetings.
Players to watch
Shane Ferguson netted a fantastic winner for his country in Estonia and will be looking to repeat that in Belfast. He can be backed at 12/1 by bet365 to score.
Benfica hitman Haris Seferovic is the main dangerman for the Swiss and he is 8/5 with VBet to score at Windsor Park.
Anything else catch the eye?
Despite Northern Ireland's recent upturn in form, this is clearly a big upgrade for them against a Swiss team who very rarely do losing.
They were impressive against the Italians and could have won on another day. If 3/4 is too skinny, there is a fair chance Northern Ireland will score, having looked more threatening recently under Baraclough and the 7/2 with William Hill is worth a go.
The Swiss twice scored three goals at the Euros, so it shouldn't be a huge ask for them to net at least a couple in Belfast and the evens with bet365 looks to have a solid claim.
This World Cup match between Northern Ireland and Switzerland will be played on Sep 8, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Northern Ireland vs Switzerland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
