Fans will descend upon St. Jakob-Park on Wednesday night, as hosts Switzerland commence their European Championship campaign against Norway.
The Swiss have been drawn in Group A alongside both Iceland and Finland – who will contest Wednesday evening’s curtain-raiser.
Despite being handed a place at the tournament automatically, Pia Sundhage’s side still participated in qualification, where they won five of their six matches.
However, Switzerland have since gone off the boil, as failure to win any of their six Nations League matches saw them relegated back to Group B.
Meanwhile, Norway arrive at this summer’s showpiece as the bookmakers’ favourites to claim top honours in Group A.
The Scandinavians have stacks of European pedigree, having reached one semi-final and two finals across the previous five editions of the tournament.
How the bookies view it: Swiss party to be spoiled
Despite having home advantage, Switzerland go into their maiden match of the competition as 13/5 outsiders on Boylesports, while the draw is also considered unlikely at 23/10 with the same firm.
With Norway expected to win the section, it’s no surprise to see them as 10/11 favourites with Boylesports on Wednesday night.
Head to head: Norway tend to have things their own way
Norway have avoided defeat in seven of their previous eight meetings with Switzerland, triumphing in six of those contests, losing just once. Moreover, the two teams crossed paths in this year’s Nations League, with Norway winning both home and away.
Players to watch: Hegarberg to hit the back of the net?
Boasting a remarkable return of 49 goals across her 91 appearances for Norway to date, star striker Ada Hegerberg simply looks too big to ignore for a goal or an assist here at 20/21 on Bet 365.
Widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Europe, Sydney Schertenleib is the Swiss player to keep an eye on during the group stage. The Barcelona teenager looks overpriced for an anytime strike here at 7/1 on Boylesports.
Predicted line-ups
Switzerland were dealt a blow in the days leading up to the tournament when defender Luana Buhler was ruled out through injury, prompting Swiss boss Sundhage to draft in Laia Balleste as a replacement.
Similarly, Norway centre-half Guro Bergsvand has been forced to withdraw due to injury, with Marthine Ostenstad set to deputise.
Switzerland: Peng; Beney, Calligaris, Stierli, Maritz; Riesen; Reuteler, Ivelj, Walti, Vallotto; Schertenleib
Norway: Fiskerstrand; Hansen, Harviken, Mjelde, Bjelde; Engem, Boe Risa; Reiten, Graham, Maanum; Hegerberg
Anything else catch the eye?
The 5/6 on Bet 365 for this clash to feature over two cards holds plenty of appeal.
As already alluded to, the two nations met in the Nations League on Swiss soil in early June, with three match cards being dished out on that occasion.
It’s also worth noting that referee Ionela Pesu has shown a red card in two of the last three matches that she has taken charge of, with this bet proving profitable on each occasion.
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