Wales will look to embark on yet another famous European Championship campaign, as they face Switzerland in their opening match. The Red Dragons will be hoping to recapture their magic from Euro 2016, where they made it all the way to the semi-finals. Gareth Bale was the catalyst for this exceptional run and will be hoping to roll back the years at Euro 2020. On paper, group A looks extremely difficult for both sides, Italy are strong favourites and Turkey have a well-balanced side. Both sides know that it is imperative to avoid defeat, in which this will likely be a cagey affair. The Swiss come into this game in the same position and will be looking to avoid defeat at all costs.
Match Facts:
Date: 12th June, Saturday.
Time: 2 pm (BST).
Venue: Baku Olympic Stadium, Azerbaijan.
Referee: Clement Turpin.
Form Guide:
Wales- LWWLD
Switzerland-WWWWW
Recent Form
Although Wales have not been in terrific form coming into the Euros, the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey have the quality to unlock the Swiss defense. Unlike Wales, Switzerland come into this game on the back of exceptional form. In their most recent game Switzerland put seven past Liechtenstein. Gavranovic got a hattrick, Fassnacht got a brace and Frick and Fernandes completed the rout. The Red Dragons’ inconsistent form may have been the result of the managerial change. Wales have had a difficult build up to the Euros and this was mainly because of off the pitch matters. Former manager Ryan Giggs has been on leave since November and Robert Page has taken over on an interim basis.
Team News
Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey has had many question marks regarding his fitness. However, the Welsh playmaker is confident that he can remain fit and keep up with the demands of the upcoming tournament. Ramsey has often been labelled as injury prone, but this season he has featured in 22 of Juventus’ 38 matches in the Serie A. The 30-year-old is an exceptional talent and will be hoping to put in some impressive performances at this tournament. On the other hand, the Swiss come into this tie with no fresh injury concerns. They are likely to field a strong lineup, which will include many of Europe’s highly-rated prospects. Liverpool player Shaqiri is likely to start and play a crucial role throughout the tournament. At club level, Shaqiri is primarily a squad player, but is a regular on the international scene.
Predicted Lineups:
Wales- Ward; Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Roberts, Allen, Ampadu, Williams; James, Wilson. Bale.
Switzerland- Sommer; Elvedi, Schar, Akanji; Mbabu; Zakaria, Xhaka, Rodriguez; Shaqiri; Embolo, Seferovic.
Likely Winner
Both teams will come into this game with the same mindset- avoid defeat. The Swiss will fancy their chances due to their significantly better form coming into this game. However, Switzerland will be full aware of the threat Wales possess. Page’s side have many match winners in the form of Gareth Bale, Daniel James and Harry Wilson. Wales will likely play on the break and allow for Switzerland to have the majority of the ball. The likes of Shaqiri will likely find space and break the deadlock, however Wales will likely respond due to their attacking qualities. A Wales goal will most likely come from either Bale or Wilson in the form of a set piece.
Score prediction: 1-1
