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Match Preview: Serbia vs Switzerland, Group E, June 22

An important matchup in Group E goes down on Fri June 22nd at 2pm Eastern time in Kaliningrad, Russia as Serbia and Switzerland face each other for the second game of the group Stage at the 2018 World Cup. Both teams have realistic hopes of advancing out of the group stage, so there are important points up for grab in this game. Switzerland holds an advantage, but not by a very wide margin. This will be the first time these two teams play each other in international competition. What do you think will be the outcome of this match? Bet on Serbia vs Switzerland, register now to take advantage of our World Cup rebates and win big cash prizes with our Bracket Contest.

Serbia

Since gaining independence, Serbia has qualified for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, but missed out on Brazil 2014. This time around they made no mistake in wrapping up qualification, going 6-3-1 in a group that included the Republic of Ireland and Wales, who both fielded strong teams that surprised in the Euro 2016 tournament. During qualifying, they amassed 20 goals as a team, eight more than the second place Republic of Ireland. Despite the success, there was a managerial conflict over player personnel, and late last year Mladen Krstajic took over for Slavoljub Muslin. Since the takeover, Serbia has gone 2-1-1 in the international friendly matches, but the team is playing well and receiving contributions from its key players, namely striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Switzerland

Switzerland meanwhile qualified second in their UEFA group, behind Portugal. This forced them to play a two leg playoff against Northern Ireland, which they won 1-0. Participants in the last 3 World Cups, they have made the round of 16 twice and are by no means a pushover squad. While they lack the big-name personnel that the top teams in the tournament have, they nonetheless have a team full of capable, flexible players that can hold their own. Full-backs Stephan Lichtsteiner and Ricardo Rodriguez also double as wing-backs. This allows their Manager Vladimir Petkovic either three or four men in the back field. Up front, Breel Embolo, Josip Drmic and Xherdan Shaqiri all possess lightning speed, which allows them extra options on the attack. The midfield is their biggest question, as they lack big name personnel there. Seferovic will be counted on to play big minutes in that position, but as his scoring totals evidenced in qualifying, he can handle it.

Match Overview

This game will be the closest matchup of the group. Switzerland has a bit more experience and depth, but Serbia has a couple of key talents that could make up the difference. Mitrovic has been spectacular for his club team this year, helping Fulham reach the Premier League after a 23-game undefeated streak in the Championship League. If Serbia can utilize him and playmaker Sergej Milinkovic-Savic properly, they will be their best chance for goals against the Swiss. That being said, Switzerland is a very dynamic team that can adapt to any offense, and the Serbs are going to need more than one scoring option if the Swiss can effectively shut Mitrovic down.

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Group Phase