Switzerland may have missed out on a place at the Euro 2012, but Otmar Hitzfeld’s side have been showing a lot of potential lately and they are now eager to prove their worth against one of world’s top national sides. Argentina had a pretty rocky start to the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and los Albicelestes will use this game as an opportunity to test some new players.

One of the most talented national teams in Europe

Switzerland had largely struggled to match the best European sides at the start of the new millennium, but everything changed with the arrival of former Bayern Munich boss Otmar Hitzfeld. The experienced coach led the Swiss to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where his side were the only team to beat champions Spain, although they did fail to qualify for the next stage. Hitzfeld decided to rejuvenate his squad after the tournament in South Africa, which did cost his side a place at the Euro 2012, but that decision helped Switzerland build a formidable side that are expected to play a major role in years to come. Boasting some very talented individuals such as Lichtsteiner, Djourou, Rodriguez, Behrami, Dzemaili, Inler, Shaqiri and Derdiyok, the Swiss managed to hold England to 2-2 draw at Wembley before avoiding defeat in Netherlands as well, with these results showing that Switzerland are indeed becoming a real force to be reckoned with.

Strikers Alexander Frei and Marco Streller have been overlooked, whereas Matias Vitkieviez is set to earn his first cap.

Argentina still finding their feet

One of world’s best national teams tend to disappoint their fans at major tournaments and their fans are starting to get used to such a situation. After the team led by Diego Maradona suffered an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Germany in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals, the one marshaled by Sergio Batista were eliminated by Uruguay in Copa America quarter-finals. Alejandro Sabella took over the reigns before the start of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, but los Albicelestes have shown little improvement since. Argentina picked up seven points from first four qualifying games, and while they should have no problems qualifying for the final tournament, the team will need to raise their game considerably if they are to mount a serious title challenge. Defence appears to be the biggest problem, which is why Sabella has called Getafe’s Cata Diaz and Napoli defender Hugo Campagnaro, but the boss continues to make some odd choices in his squad selection.

Angel Di Maria and Marcos Rojo have withdrawn due to injury, whereas Ezequiel Lavezzi has been overlooked. Nicolas Burdisso and Javier Pastore miss out through injury, but Erik Lamela is set to be handed a debut.

Verdict

Switzerland boast a very talented side and the team appear to have matured a great deal over the last year or so. Argentina are still struggling to reach their potential and los Albicelestes are not playing as a team at the moment. It is for that reason that I am tempted to go with Switzerland here.

Our prediction: Switzerand not to lose

Odds: 2.00 (1/1)

Bookmaker: Stan James