Euro 2016 Group A Preview and Predictions for Switzerland

Euro 2016 isn’t quite upon the hectic footballing schedule at this particular point in the season, but as all the usual hype and sensation to surround such a hotly anticipated tournament seemingly remains in full-swing right in the here and now, we’ve decided to continue our Group A predictions with a recent preview of the subtly impressive – yet often equally forgettable – up and comers of Switzerland… 

 

Chances of success:

Well, although France will predictably go down as everybody’s first choice favourite to top the relevant Group A proceedings with everything fairly taken into account, Vladimir Petkovic’s Switzerland nonetheless represent a wise bet to progress from the Euro 2016 group-stages.

The likes of Romania and Albania – Switzerland’s two remaining Group A opponents – will likely prove little challenge for the Swiss on first impressions alone, even if the ultimate outcome remains somewhat harder to predict. Petkovic’s squad includes several well established stars of the European footballing scene however, which certainly bodes well for Switzerland at the upcoming summer competition.  

 

Ones to watch:

 

Alongside the likes of Admir Mehmedi of Bayer Leverkusen, as well as Wolfsburg’s Ricardo Rodriguez, Stoke City’s Xherdan Shaqiri obviously represents one of the most recognised assets available for Switzerland this summer – even if the former Bayern Munich man hasn’t quite been totally outstanding among the English top-flight in 2015/16.

If the Swiss are to really impress at Euro 2016 though, the recently emerged Borussia Monchengladbach star and reported transfer target for Arsenal – Granit Xhaka – could eventually play a crucial role. Expect a big money move to therefore be on the cards for Xhaka if all goes well for Switzerland this summer. 

 

From the dug-out:

Switzerland’s Bosnian-born coach – Vladimir Petkovic – has already led his team to a relatively successful qualifying campaign, and certainly looks set to maintain his dominance down in the Swiss dug-out for at least the foreseeable future.

The former Lazio manager could really help develop some of the young stars currently on the table for Switzerland this summer, especially in light of how far some of his recently emerged players have genuinely come on this season.

 

Final verdict:

Although the Swiss admittedly aren’t expected to be pulling up any trees at Euro 2016 this summer, Vladimir Petkovic’s side could nonetheless prove surprise dark horses among the upcoming international tournament. Whilst this team probably won’t go all the way when all is said and done, relevant betting tips could easily see Switzerland reach the knock-out stages of the approaching summer competition.