Switzerland vs Austria
The International Friendly between Switzerland and Austria pits together two teams who aren’t expected to go far in the upcoming Euros but will try to do so anyway.
Switzerland and Austria are preparing extensively for the quadrennial competition, and both come into this game on Saturday in good form as they managed to win their respective games last time out.
The hosts won 4-0 against Estonia yesterday, while the visitors secured a 2-1 win over Serbia, so Switzerland and Austria are looking to cap off their week with another win before the European showcase starts.
Despite this being an exhibition game, SBOTOP football fans are in for a real treat, as both teams are more than capable of putting up International Friendly 2024 highlights at St. Gallen.
Talking Points
Amdouni can put on a show for Switzerland
Switzerland have been looking for a star forward who could elevate their attack, and it seems that they have finally found one in Zeki Amdouni, who played big against Estonia last night.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder is coming off a solid campaign for the Clarets in the Premier League, as he managed to score six goals and one assist.
With Burnley relegated back to the Championship, Zeki Amdouni is expected to have suitors in the summer transfer window, and if he breaks out for the Swiss in the Euros, his stock will go even higher.
Amdouni will be joined by Ruben Vargas, Breel Embolo, Noah Okafor, and Steven Zuber up front, while Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Denis Zakaria will provide stability in the middle of the park.
One of the most underrated facets of Switzerland’s game is their backline, which has the likes of Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Leonidas Stergiou, Fabian Schar, and Silvan Widmer covering for a guy like Yann Sommer or Gregor Kobel.
While Germany are likely to take the top spot in Group A of Euro 2024, the second spot is going to be up for grabs, and Switzerland have a real chance of taking it, given their strong roster.
Baumgartner becoming dangerous for Austria
Zeki Amdouni’s counterpart is going to be Christoph Baumgartner, who has found the back of the net in all four of their international friendly matches this year.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder is one of RB Leipzig’s top scorers this season, with five goals and one assist.
Baumgartner is one of the most versatile players in Ralf Rangnick’s squad right now because he can play as a second striker or as a no. 10 with his quick feet and silky touch with the ball.
Similar to Amdouni, Baumgartner has a high work rate and is a willing presser, which fits well with Rangnick’s proactive tactics.
Meanwhile, David Alaba is still sidelined due to a torn ACL, but Austria have enough cover at the back with Stefan Posch, Stefan Lainer, Phillipp Lienhart, Maximilian Wober, and Kevin Danso all ready to contribute.
History
Saturday marks the first meeting between Switzerland and Austria in almost a decade in all competitions.
Switzerland defeated Austria 2-1 in their last international friendly in November 2015, as Haris Seferovic scored a brace and David Alaba recorded the consolation goal for Austria. The Swiss have a three-game winning streak over Austria.
Austria’s last win against Switzerland was a 2-1 result in an international friendly, as Roland Linz and Sanel Kuljic both found the back of the net in the first half before Marco Streller prevented a clean sheet with a goal of his own in the second half.
In terms of recent form, Austria have been better with three consecutive international friendly victories this year, while Switzerland have won twice and drawn once in the same period.
Switzerland have qualified for the Euros five times, and their best run was a quarter-finals finish in 2020, eventually losing to Spain in a penalty shootout.
As for Austria, they will be in the Euros for the fourth time ever. In the 2020 edition of the quadrennial meet, Austria went as far as the Round of 16, losing to eventual champions Italy.
Betting Tip
The International Friendly 2024 odds expect a tight affair between Switzerland and Austria this weekend. Switzerland have the slight edge at 2.23 odds, whereas Austria are at 2.74 to win, and a draw is at 2.96 in the 1X2 market.
While it’s hard to predict who wins this game, we’re sure that there will be goals from this fixture, hence our recommended bet of Over 2.25 at 1.86.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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