Scotland vs Switzerland-Switzerland and Scotland face off in their second match in Group A with plenty to do.
Scotland were embarrassed by their only own goal in their Euro opener, losing 5-1 to hosts Germany. Steve Clarke’s gameplan was confusing and completely wrong for the opposition they faced. They need a response here against Switzerland or they may pack their bags early.
Switzerland were truly impressive in their opening match of the tournament, beating Hungary 3-1. The Swiss showed just how good their experience and versatility is to the side in possession.
Scotland
Scotland vs Switzerland-Scotland were completely lost against Germany from the 1st minute of their opening match. They didn’t have a clear plan of what they were supposed to do tactically and the players looked really confused. Scotland vs Switzerland-Scotland were playing on a high line, but Germany dropped all their attackers deep in the build-up, forcing Scotland’s center backs to track them, leaving space for Germany’s back line to run out.
There was also a dilemma as to whether Scotland’s wingbacks were actually going to mark Germany’s fullbacks who were pushing high and wide up the pitch or whether they would stay narrower to avoid overloading the middle of the pitch. Scotland vs Switzerland-The problem is Switzerland are able to do exactly the same thing to them because they have a similar build up structure to Germany and work really well between the lines.
Another problem that was very evident for Scotland was that they had absolutely no outlet in attack. Scotland vs Switzerland-They rely primarily on long balls up the pitch and crosses, but lack an aerial threat in the box. Also, Che Adams is not good in a transition-based system with Scotland, which has been proven over the years as he has only scored six goals for the national team in his career.
Switzerland
Switzerland are a really good build-up team and did so well against Hungary’s lower block. They are one of the best teams in the tournament operating in the half space, able to form passing triangles to play through the opposition’s defensive blocks. Scotland vs Switzerland-They did great work in Hungary’s 5-3-2 defensive shape on the way to creating 2.3 expected goals on 15 shots.
Things got a bit shaky after Switzerland went two goals ahead, but overall they are a really good team because of their adaptability with both press teams and causing problems or sitting in tight defensive structures. Scotland vs Switzerland-They will probably try to counter-press Scotland when they lose the ball and have success with it.
They’ve played a lot of teams like Scotland who won’t build from the back or if they do, the Swiss will force them into long balls up the pitch. You will probably see them play more passively than they did during the qualifiers and it will be out of the 5-3-2 formation.
Undoubtedly one of Switzerland’s weaknesses is defending crosses, especially at the back post. Scotland vs Switzerland-Hungary gave them crosses in the 1st match and this was the 1st time Scotland created most of their chances on football game.
Team news
Well, we know for sure that Ryan Porteous will not be involved after his dismissal against the Germans.
Scotland vs Switzerland-The former Hibernian centre-back lunged dangerously at Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, which proved costly as he saw red and the hosts were awarded a penalty following a VAR check.
As far as the rest of the squad is concerned, we will have to see what fitness updates are provided in the coming days.
The nature of the 5-1 loss in the group’s opening game in Munich is expected to result in changes to the line-up.
Scotland vs Switzerland-Billy Gilmour could come into midfield, with the Brighton player a surprise omission from the starting against Germany. Scotland vs Switzerland-He could potentially come in for Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie.
Porteous will likely replace either Grant Hanley or Scott McKenna, who were both used as second-half substitutes at Allianz.
Up front, Che Adams may be given another shot to lead the line, with Lawrence Shankland and Tommy Conway waiting in the wings.
Scotland vs Switzerland
Prediction
I have a really hard time seeing what changes Scotland will be able to make here against Switzerland. Scotland vs Switzerland-The Swiss have the ability to build up from the back and play tactically like Germany. They are also really good at playing under pressure, so they should be able to play properly even if Scotland decide to be more aggressive out of possession.
Scotland also lack an outlet in their attack that can threaten the Swiss in transition and will have limited crosses to take advantage of Switzerland’s weaknesses.
So, I really like Switzerland’s moneyline value of -115.