Switzerland have lost just one of their last 13 matches, a record dating all the way back to their defeat in the round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Despite their strong run, Switzerland have faced some setbacks, including draws against Belarus and Kosovo, and a defeat away to Romania. These results have put pressure on manager Murat Yakin, who is looking for a successful Euro 2024 tournament to ensure his own future.
Following a comfortable 4-0 win earlier this week against Estonia, Yakin’s team will have more of a challenge on Saturday evening. Under former Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick, Austria have lost just one of their last 15 games, a run dating back to September 2022.
This run has seen them record famous wins over Italy and Germany, where they kept clean sheets in both games. Their only loss this time came in a narrow 3-2 defeat at home to Belgium.
Given both sides’ impressive form, and high hopes for Euro 2024, this game promises to be an intriguing contest for all concerned.
Switzerland
Breel Embolo and Denis Zakaria remain injury doubts for this game, with neither of the AS Monaco pair featuring on Tuesday against Estonia.
The experienced duo will be a miss for Yakin’s side as they look to continue their vital preparation before their tournament opener against Hungary in seven days’ time.
Austria
Florian Grillitsch is Rangnick’s only injury doubt for the game after the midfielder picked up a knock earlier in the week in a friendly against Serbia.
Marcel Sabitzer remains unavailable, still ‘mentally recovering’ from the Champions League final. David Alaba will be a huge miss for the Austrians, with their captain missing out on Euro 2024 due to injury.
Much like Switzerland, Austria will use the game as vital preparation before their opening game of Euro 2024, against France, on June 17.
Switzerland
Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Elvedi; Mbabu, Xhaka, Freuler, Ndoye; Shaqiri, Amdouni, Zuber
Austria
Pentz; Wober, Danso, Posch, Wimmer; Laimer, Seiwald, Baumgartner, Gregoritsch, Kainz; Arnautović
Switzerland – Granit Xhaka
The captain of the Rossocrociati will be pivotal not only in this game, but for Switzerland to have any success in Germany this summer. Coming off the back of an incredible season with Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka will be looking to translate his club form onto the international stage.
This is not anything new for Xhaka, however, as the Swiss number 10 is the man for the big occasion, frequently producing high-quality performances at major tournaments.
In the last game of his club season, Xhaka scored the winning goal in the DFB Pokal final – Swiss ‘nati’ fans will be hoping to see more of the same in Germany this summer.
Austria – Kevin Danso
The RC Lens man had a very solid season averaging a 7.22 (Fotmob). For Austria to have the best chance of a result in Switzerland Danso will need to be on top form to deal with a dangerous Swiss attack.
The Austrian number four is strong in the air and good with the ball at his feet, so will offer Rangnick’s men a number of options when it comes to relieving attacking pressure.
At 25, Danso is an experienced defender at this point in his career, having played over 200 career games. This experience will be invaluable as Austria look to have a strong campaign in a very tough group C this summer.
Where is the match being played?
The game will be played at the Kybunpark, in St Gallen, Switzerland.
What time is kick-off?
The match is on Saturday 8th June 2024, and kickoff is at 17:00 BST.
How can I watch?
The game will be broadcast on the Premier Sports Player.