Switzerland – North Macedonia: prediction and preview

Switzerland top Group B1 with a perfect record (3-0 in Skopje, 0-3 in Glasgow and 2-1 v Slovenia) and a five-point lead; a win in Lucerne would take them close to promotion. Bottom side North Macedonia, without a point, have not scored in three games. Yakin remains without Granit Xhaka, absent for the whole window, and the injured Denis Zakaria, while Breel Embolo was not called up. Jashari and Freuler form the double pivot of the 4-2-3-1, with Manzambi and Ndoye behind Zeki Amdouni (3 goals and 1 assist); Athekame has settled in at right-back. Milevski is expected to keep his 3-4-2-1 with Dimitrievski in goal and Elmas and Bardhi as creators, although both arrive short of club minutes. Switzerland take almost 20 shots per game with 67% possession and have conceded only once. The site's statistical forecast gives 79% home, 14% draw and 7% away, with 2-0 the most likely score.