Switzerland vs Algeria Predicted Lineups & Team News

Switzerland and Algeria collide at BC Place in Vancouver on Thursday in the round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup (8pm local time/Friday 4am BST, BBC One). Algeria are hoping to reach the round of 16 for just the second time while the Swiss have managed this feat at the previous three editions.

Read on for all the latest Switzerland vs Algeria team news and predicted lineups.

Switzerland

Silvan Widmer is a doubt for Switzerland because of a hip issue. The defender didn't train on Sunday but he's not been ruled out yet.

Luca Jaquez will be looking to take Widmer's place on the right side of the back line after an impressive display against Canada last time out.

Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi should be the centre-back pairing to shield Gregor Kobel in goal.

Granit Xhaka will skipper the side from midfield, while young star Johan Manzambi looks set to retain his place on the right flank, having scored three goals across the past two games.

Striker Breel Embolo has contributed a goal and two assists at the World Cup so far and he'll spearhead the Nati's attack on Thursday.

Algeria

Algeria attacker Mohamed El Amine Amoura is unlikely to be involved against Switzerland owing to an unspecified injury. He's not been ruled out just yet but he faces a race against the clock to be named in the Fennecs' squad.

At this moment in time, it looks like Algeria's attack will be made up of Riyad Mahrez, who bagged a brace against Austria on matchday three, Ibrahim Maza, Fares Chaibi and Amine Gouiri.

Ramy Bensebaini and Aissa Mandi are expected to continue as the Desert Flowers' centre-back pairing, while they might receive an extra layer of protection from midfielder Nabil Bentaleb.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Switzerland vs Algeria Odds over on betfred.com

Switzerland vs Algeria Key Players:

Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)

He may only be 20 years of age, but Manzambi is showing a great level of maturity out on the world stage for Switzerland. The Freiburg wide man has three goals across the last two games and he's already been at the centre of a transfer story, with Newcastle United attempting to acquire his services.

Manzambi was entrusted a start by Murat Yakin against Canada and he didn't let his head coach down. The youngster likes to be direct and, when he gets a sight of goal, he doesn't hesitate to pull the trigger. These traits are useful when it comes to knockout football.

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Sticking with the winger theme, I'm selecting Mahrez to be the key figure for Algeria. While Manzambi's youthful energy will be an asset for the Swiss, Mahrez's years of experience will be of great use to Algeria.

The attacker appeared to roll back the years with a brace in the last game and he now has three goal involvements in North America. I think he can spell trouble for Switzerland left-back Ricardo Rodriguez.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com