Switzerland vs Algeria Prediction: Premier League duo backed

Switzerland will hope for a deep run into the World Cup, and they will hope to get past Algeria in Vancouver (8pm local Thursday, 4am BST Friday, BBC One). 

Read on to find my Switzerland vs Algeria predictions, featuring team news and more. 

Team News

Switzerland have a doubt over Silvan Widmer, who has only just returned to training. Luca Jaquez performed well against Canada and could be rewarded with a start, with Nico Elvedi set to partner Manuel Akanji at centre-back.

Granit Xhaka will feature in midfield, Johan Manzambi will provide the creativity and Breel Embolo will lead the line.

Mohamed El Amine Amoura may miss out for Algeria, with Riyad Mahrez set to feature on the right-hand side of the attack.  Ibrahim Maza, Fares Chaibi and Amine Gouiri should join him in the final third, with former Spurs man Nabil Bentaleb set to anchor the midfield.

Switzerland vs Algeria Odds

Switzerland are the 21/20 favourites to win this game in 90 minutes while Algeria are 11/4 to do the same. A draw after 90 mins is 23/10, while there are plenty of Price Boosts you can find on the link above. 

Riyad Mahrez to score anytime @ 3/1

I don’t have a clue who is going to win this tie so have steered clear of any selections relying on a correct match result. Instead, I’ve gone for a goal from former Manchester City winger Mahrez, who has sparkled at points during this tournament. 

He scored twice against Austria in that chaotic final group game and created the most chances in the win over Jordan. Now 35, he is showing he can still perform on the biggest stage. I think he’s a great price to find the net against a Switzerland team that didn’t face any real quality in their group.

Price Boost - Granit Xhaka to be carded @ 4/1

Betfred have put forward a few Price Boosts for this fixture, but I’ll take advantage of the 4/1 offered for Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka to get booked. The Sunderland midfielder is the subject of a pretty funny transfer saga involving Chelsea bidding just £8m for him, but on the pitch at the World Cup he has looked good. 

He was booked in the 2-1 win over Canada, and he is set to be a lot busier in midfield than he was against the likes of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar. Always willing to make a tactical foul, I think Xhaka will come into his own in this last-32 tie.