Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Switzerland and Bosnia-Herzegovina meet at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday, aiming to secure the first victory of their Group B campaign.

Each side surrendered a lead to draw their respective opening fixtures. Murat Yakin’s Swiss side dominated their match against Qatar but suffered a frustrating late equaliser. Meanwhile, Bosnia-Herzegovina earned a hard-fought draw against Canada. Avoiding defeat here is critical for their knockout aspirations.

Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina – Match preview and team news

Switzerland team news

Switzerland have no injury concerns after the first match against Qatar. Yakin will likely maintain his central core for Thursday. Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi anchor the defence. Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo operate through the middle.

However, the manager might make some changes in attacking areas. Noah Okafor and Johan Manzambi are possible options here. The average age of their last starting lineup was historically old. Ricardo Rodríguez and Xhaka bring immense experience as tournament veterans. Embolo is currently enjoying his most prolific period in football.

Bosnia-Herzegovina team news

Bosnia-Herzegovina have a major defensive concern ahead of this clash. Sead Kolasinac limped off late against Canada and remains doubtful. The medical team will carefully assess whether he sustained damage. That said, Nidal Celik picked up a training injury recently.

He will miss the tournament, and Arjan Malic replaces him. Jovo Lukic will hope to start again after scoring early. Sergej Barbarez has cleverly blended youth with squad experience. Skipper Edin Dzeko provides crucial veteran leadership.

Form

Switzerland

Switzerland got off to a slow start by drawing their first game against Asian champions Qatar. Embolo converted a penalty after twenty minutes to give them the lead. Despite dominating possession, they squandered multiple good chances to score.

They eventually conceded a devastating equaliser deep into injury time. Yakin expects a more clinical performance to secure three points. Picking up a single point against a lower side was undoubtedly very disappointing as far as the group stage stands.

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Bosnia-Herzegovina will feel completely content after drawing against Canada at home in their World Cup opener. Lukic headed home to take the lead very early on. The away side absorbed heavy pressure before conceding a late equaliser.

Zmajevi are now unbeaten in their previous nine competitive matches. Curiously, they have drawn each of their last six games. Avoiding defeat again would set a new national record.

Predicted lineups

Switzerland predicted XI: Kobel; Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodríguez; Aebischer, Xhaka, Freuler; Ndoye, Embolo, Manzambi

Bosnia-Herzegovina predicted XI: Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Bajraktarevic, Tahirovic, Basic, Memic; Demirovic, Lukic

How to watch Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina?

The match will be broadcast on ITV1 and STV for viewers in the UK. Football fans in the United States can watch live on Fox Sports.

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