softfootball.com match preview
Serbia and Switzerland are set to resume their UEFA Nations League campaigns at the Dubocica Stadium in Leskovac on Saturday night, both desperately seeking their first points in League A Group 4. With Denmark currently leading the group, the stakes are high for both teams.
Match Preview
In recent months, Serbia has struggled to find consistency, recording only four wins, five draws, and seven losses in their last 16 international matches. Under the guidance of head coach Dragan Stojkovic, the Eagles experienced a disappointing Euro 2024, finishing last in their group. They began their Nations League campaign with a goalless draw against Spain but suffered a setback three days later with a 2-0 defeat against Denmark. Currently sitting third in Group 4, Serbia is five points behind the Danes and is eager to end a five-game winless streak.
Despite their challenges, Serbia can take solace in their strong home form, having gone seven matches without a loss at home, with five wins and two draws. The pressure is on for them to convert that home advantage into a crucial victory against Switzerland.
On the other hand, Switzerland has also struggled to make an impact, losing their first two Nations League matches against Denmark (2-0) and Spain (4-1). Despite a promising unbeaten run leading into Euro 2024, where they reached the quarter-finals, Murat Yakin’s side has hit a rough patch. Currently positioned at the bottom of Group 4 without a point, the Swiss must secure a result against Serbia to stay competitive.
Historically, Switzerland has had the upper hand in their recent encounters, defeating Serbia in both of their last two meetings: a World Cup qualifier in June 2018 and a thrilling 3-2 victory during the group stage of the 2022 World Cup.
Team News
For Serbia:
The Eagles will miss key players, including Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, Andrija Zivkovic, and Ivan Ilic due to injuries. Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is also unavailable due to personal reasons. Predrag Rajkovic is expected to start in goal, supported by a defensive trio of Strahinja Erakovic, Nikola Milenkovic, and Strahinja Pavlovic. Midfield will see Sasa Lukic and Marko Grujic, while Aleksandar Mitrovic, Serbia’s all-time leading scorer, is anticipated to lead the attack.
Possible Starting XI:
Rajkovic; Erakovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic; Nedeljkovic, Lukic, Grujic, Maksimovic, Birmancevic; Samardzic; Mitrovic
For Switzerland:
The Swiss will be without Ruben Vargas (ankle) and Denis Zakaria and Becir Omeragic (both knee injuries). Granit Xhaka and Nico Elvedi return after serving suspensions and are expected to feature prominently. Zeki Amdouni, who scored against Spain, is likely to retain his position in attack alongside Breel Embolo.
Possible Starting XI:
Kobel; Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer; Ndoye, Amdouni; Embolo
Both teams have struggled offensively in their recent outings, particularly Serbia, leading to the expectation of a low-scoring encounter. Given their history and the current form, Switzerland may have the edge and could secure a narrow victory, allowing them to climb off the bottom of the group standings.
Final score prediction: Serbia 0-1 Switzerland
