- Team form: Qatar have won just two of their last ten games in all competitions (D2, L6).
- Away record: Switzerland are unbeaten in their last five away games (W2, D3), conceding an average of just 0.20 goals per match.
A fixture for the neutral
Tactical battle
One of the most interesting fixtures of the tournament is the Group B clash between Qatar and Switzerland on Saturday, a fixture that should see an open matchup due to the contrasting football philosophies of the two coaches. Qatar boss Julen Lopetegui is known for his disciplined and possession-based teams, while Switzerland's Murat Yakin has moulded a multi-functional unit that can press, press and press again.
Key players and formation
While the hosts are in dismal form ahead of this game, they have a talented footballer in Akram Afif, who is their focal point. Qatar like to play a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation in which Afif will be the focal point in wide areas and create chances for himself and his teammates. As such, Qatar can be a threat, but they're very reliant on him, and so the onus will be on the hosts to get him the ball as often as possible.
Switzerland, on the other hand, are a much more balanced team that can play with or without the ball. They generally utilise a back three, but with their wing-backs pushing on, they can be a force going forward. Noah Okafor is a constant threat as a forward with pace and a directness to get at defences, while Granit Xhaka is the man in midfield that can make the game flow and control tempo with his range of passing and leadership.
A step up for both managers
This is a big game for Lopetegui, who has done a brilliant job. His teams have been well organised and disciplined, but they've also played with a real identity on the field, which is something we've rarely seen from Qatar teams. Yakin has turned Switzerland into a team that can match any team in the world and have the ability to score and create multiple chances.
Qatar have won two, drawn one and lost three of their six home games, conceding an average of 1.67 goals per game.
Switzerland, on the other hand, are in fine form, picking up six wins, three draws and just one defeat across their last ten in all competitions.
- Their only victory in their last six games came against the UAE in World Cup Qualification at home, but that was followed up by consecutive defeats against Zimbabwe and Ireland.
- They thrashed Jordan 4-1 at home, held Norway to a scoreless draw in a tense encounter away from home, and were unlucky to lose narrowly to Germany in a seven-goal thriller.
Back the visitors
Switzerland are 1.24 favorites for this game, but we feel that the odds are right for them in this clash. Given Qatar's form and the fact that they're long shots, we think there's value in supporting the visitors to pick up three points.
Goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb will be under the pump on Saturday as his team are so defensively frail and rely on him for saves. There's a good chance that this will be a end-to-end affair with over 2.5 goals, but Switzerland should edge this one with a bit of room to spare.
