Elite football in the European leagues has been put on hold over the last few days to make way for more Nations League football. Sunday’s marquee clash sees Switzerland play host to Belgium in Group A2.

STATS

• Following their World Cup loss against Sweden, Switzerland have been extremely inconsistent. Other than two Nations League victories over an out-of-form Iceland side, their results have been poor. Losses against England and Belgium were expected but their defeat to Qatar last time out was nothing short of abysmal.
• Many people considered Belgium to be the best team at the World Cup despite them obviously not winning it. They’re unbeaten in their five matches since, winning four and drawing one (against Netherlands). They have maximum points in the Nations League following two victories over Iceland and one against the Swiss. They left it late to beat Iceland on Thursday but two second-half goals secured the points.
• Haris Seferovic is Switzerland’s main goal scoring threat but with just two in their last nine games, they might need some other players to chip in.
• Belgium don’t have to rely on anyone in particular for their goals as in their last five games, Romelu Lukaku has five, Michy Batshuayi has four and Eden Hazard has two.

HEAD TO HEAD

Belgium have dominated their last handful of meetings with Switzerland, winning six of the last eight, drawing one and losing one. Each of their last three wins have been by a one-goal margin with the last two meetings finishing 2-1 to the Belgians. Over 2.5 goals have been scored in four of the last five and four of those have seen goals from both teams which might make it a wise bet.

SWITZERLAND NEWS

Switzerland’s place in Group A of the Nations League is secure as they have six points and a win over Belgium will confirm their place in next summer’s finals. They are without veteran Stephan Lichtsteiner who pulled out of the squad.

Latest matches: Switzerland

14.11.2018	Inte	Switzerland	Qatar	0:1	L
15.10.2018	UEFA	Iceland	Switzerland	1:2	W
12.10.2018	UEFA	Belgium	Switzerland	2:1	L
11.09.2018	Inte	England	Switzerland	1:0	L
08.09.2018	UEFA	Switzerland	Iceland	6:0	W

BELGIUM NEWS

If Belgium manage to avoid defeat, they will book their place at the finals. However, they are without Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele and possibly Lukaku.

Latest matches: Belgium

15.11.2018	UEFA	Belgium	Iceland	2:0	W
16.10.2018	Inte	Belgium	Netherlands	1:1	D
12.10.2018	UEFA	Belgium	Switzerland	2:1	W
11.09.2018	UEFA	Iceland	Belgium	0:3	W
07.09.2018	Inte	Scotland	Belgium	0:4	W

SUMMARY

Belgium are undoubtedly one of the superpowers of world football and it’ll take a strong Switzerland performance to beat them on Sunday. The visitors have a very strong attacking line-up so backing them to score 2+ goals looks to be extremely good value.