The final round of group matches in Euro2016 begin on Sunday evening when France host Switzerland in the finale for both in Group A. France know whatever happens here they are through to the next round while Switzerland know they are through with a draw.
Going through as group winners could be important to both and whoever wins this match will do just that although the French only need to avoid defeat to be crowned group winners.
Switzerland have been solid enough in this tournament but if they had taken the raft of chances they have created, or even a decent percentage of them, then they would really have sent a marker down on the rest of the sides. While they still have a chance of winning the group they need an air of caution as a heavy defeat could still see them exit the tournament even with four points.
Usually we take this Switzerland defence to be quite tight and miserly but they have been a little more open in this tournament even against two sides not known for attacking so for their own peace of mind they could do with a decent defensive display here and the chances are they will need one too.
Key Man
If they are to defend well then Fabian Schar is going to be key to that but he also offers a threat in the opposition box and that could be key if Switzerland are struggling to put their chances away like they have been. He could have a decent role to play.
They’ve left it late on both occasions but France have won both their matches and you can never criticise a side when they win. In fairness to them they have created a whole raft of chances in both matches and if they are ever clinical someone is going to take a mighty beating.
If there is a concern for France it comes in their defence. It wasn’t truly tested against Albania but even then there were some hairy moments. A better side might exploit that but at the same time against a better side France will probably set up slightly differently.
Key Man
Dimitri Payet has been the star man for France so far in the tournament. He has been a joy to watch and his two goals have him tied for the top scorer in the event. All eyes will be on him to see if he can deliver another virtuoso performance in this game.
Team News
Switzerland are expected to make changes of their own. Hans Seferovic hasn’t been able to hit a cow’s backside with a thousand banjos so far so the promising Breel Embolo could start from the beginning. There has been talk of Xherdan Shaqiri’s discontent but dropping him would be a huge call.
France are likely to make changes again for this game. Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann were both left on the bench to start with against Albania but they came on in the second half. They are expected to return. Olivier Giroud and N’Golo Kante could be the ones to sit out as they are on a booking.
Head to Head
Over the course of time Switzerland have had a level record with France with them winning 12 matches to France’s 16 with nine draws along the way but the Swiss have only won one of the last eight clashes and none of the last six so they have that recent mental hurdle to overcome going into this one.
Their last meeting was in the World Cup two years ago and Switzerland won’t want reminding that they lost that game 5-2. They can’t afford that again here that is for sure.
Betting
This is the sort of match I don’t like to bet on and I’m not going to bet on this one either. I don’t need to bet on it because by virtue of backing France to get nine points I’m on them to win anyway but they are likely to rest players and Switzerland’s mindset is largely unknown.
If all things were equal here I would probably chance a punt on over 2.5 goals but just how much either side will go all out for goals I’m just not sure. I’ll sit back and watch this one in the hope that France get the job done but without risking anything else.
Tips
No Bet
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