Finland vs Switzerland Prediction: Swiss to get the job done

Host nation Switzerland tussle with Finland in their Uefa Women's European Championship Group A decider on Thursday (20:00, BBC One) at Stade de Geneve, which will determine who joins Norway in the knockout stage. The two sides are locked on three points apiece, with the Swiss having a 1+ better goal difference than their opponents.

Read on for my Finland vs Switzerland predictions, accompanied by the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Finland boss Marko Saloranta may stick with a back five of Emma Koivisto, Natalia Kuikka, Nystrom, Joanna Tynnila and Katariina Kosola to try and limit Switzerland's attacking threat.

Sanni Franssi came off the bench to play the last 30 minutes against Norway, and the 30-year-old will be itching to return to the starting lineup for this crunch clash.

Striker Oona Sevenius should retain her place in the lineup after finding the net in her first start of the tournament on matchday two, with Finland needing to defeat Switzerland to progress.

Switzerland forward Lia Wandeler is hoping to have played her way into contention to start on Thursday, following her impressive cameo against Iceland last time out.

Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic is an option to take one of the wing-back spots, although boss Pia Sundhage is set to stick with a back five of Iman Beney, Viola Calligaris, Julia Stierli, Noelle Maritz and Nadine Riesen.

Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Geraldine Reuteler will continue to offer an attacking threat, having scored three goals in her last five international appearances for the Rossocrociati.

Finland vs Switzerland Odds

Finland have won three of their past six competitive matches and they are 5/2 to stun the host nation on Thursday.

Two of the last three meetings between the two sides ended in a stalemate, and the draw is marketed at 23/10.

Switzerland are 23/20 to collect the three points, having won two of their last three matches in all competitions.

Both teams have experienced one match at the Euros so far which have featured goals at both ends - and BTTS is priced at 4/5.

Switzerland to win @ 23/20

As the host nation, there is no fear like an early exit and that is what Switzerland face should they lose to Finland. I don't think that will happen, though, as they will have the crowd's backing in Geneva and I believe there is more than enough quality within their ranks to wrap up the group stage in style.

Of course, they need only draw to join Norway in the knockout stage but I'm sure they won't want to take that risk, especially as Finland will need to come out all guns blazing to try and beat them.

Both teams' victories came against Iceland but it took a sending off for Finland to triumph against them. The two teams were defeated by Norway, who have unquestionably been the strongest team in Group A, leaving just second place up for grabs.

Given the high stakes, this match could be played out like a chess match, with both sides looking for individual quality for inspiration. In this scenario, I think Switzerland have more options to stand up and deliver and that's why I think they will take the victory.

Today's Football Fixtures

Both teams to score @ 4/5

Finland can certainly play their part in this contest, though, as they are in desperate need of the three points to ensure their Euros campaign continues beyond the group stage. I think BTTS is a sensible selection for this contest because despite all the praise I've given to Norway so far, both Finland and Switzerland breached their defence.

Both teams' meetings with Norway also featured goals at both ends, which bodes well for this clash on Thursday. Additionally, there have been goals at both ends in three of Finland's previous four fixtures in all competitions, while this has been the case in two of Switzerland's last three.

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