Latvia v Switzerland
Football: FIFA World Cup 2010 European (UEFA) Qualifiers
Wednesdy 9th September 2009 - Kickoff 19:30

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Latvia (3rd) 4-1-2 11:6

Latvia are attempting to qualify for the World Cup for the first time, and will need to get a positive result from this match if that hope is to continue.

Only three points seperate Latvia from the top of the table, but there will need to be a top performance from the home side as Latvia have struggled against the groups bigger sides, having not taken a point off either Switzerland or Greece.

However, Latvia's 1-0 win in Israel on Saturday was an eye-opening result, especially when you bear in mind that Israel had only lost once in their last 10 home games, drawing with the likes of England, France and Greece and beating Russia 2-1!

Latvia Team News :
The home side have a near full strength squad for this clash.

Latvia
Kolinko
Klava, Zirnis, Ivanovs, Gorkss
Kolesnicenko, Rubins, Astafjevs, Solonicins
Karlsons, Verpakovskis

Switzerland (1st) 5-1-1 13:6

Switzerland are coached by ex-Bayern Munich manager Ottmar Hitzfeld, and have put together five wins in a row now - much more impressive than it appeared after the first Swiss game in the group - where they were humbled by little Luxembourg - losing 1-2 at home!

The Swiss did earn an impressive 2-0 home victory against 2004 European Champions Greece in Saturday's qualifying game, and will travel with some confidence.

Switzerland Team News :
Switzerland have several defensive injuries with Valon Behrami and Johan Djourou both out. A knee injury to striker Marco Streller means he will miss out.

Switzerland
Benaglio
Nef, Bergen, Grichting, Magnin
Barnetta, Inler, Padalino, Fernandes
Frei, N’kufo

The Betting Verdict

The home side will be pressing for the win, while I suspect that Hitzfeld will set Switzerland up to play a counter-attacking game and look to score on the break.

However, Switzerland's defensive worries might be exposed and I can see Latvia getting a goal and a point from this match.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Latvia 1-1 Switzerland

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Latvia 22% - Draw 35% - Switzerland 43%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Again - I like the chances of a DRAW and the price is good value.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take LATVIA with a +1/2 goal start.