Switzerland v Northern Ireland preview and possible lineups

Tom Smith 6 years ago 585
Rodriguez scored from the spot in the first leg against Northern Ireland. AFP

We take a look ahead Sunday night's World Cup play-off second leg between Switzerland and Northern Ireland at St Jakob-Park.

Switzerland:

The Swiss emerged victorious in the first leg at Windsor Park following a controversial penalty. They have won nine competitive games in a row at home meaning Vladimir Petkovic's men will be very confident coming into this encounter.

Valron Behrami is available for selection, but Fabian Frei has withdrawn due to a bereavement.

Northern Ireland:

The visitors must forget about the 1-0 home loss if they are to cause an upset in Switzerland, something Jonny Evans is very aware of.

"We're still in the tie, it's important not to get carried away. We still have the ability and character in the squad to turn it around," he said.

Stuart Dallas could miss out after the winger suffered a bruised foot in the first leg, while George Saville is in line to replace the suspended Corry Evans.

Recent form:

Possible lineups:

Switzerland: Sommer; Lichtsteiner, Akanji, Schar, Rodriguez; Xhaka, Zakaria; Shaqiri, Dzemaili, Zuber; Seferovic.

Northern Ireland: McGovern; McLaughlin, McAuley, J Evans, Brunt; Norwood, Saville, Davis; Magennis, Lafferty, Ward.

Mentioned in the news story

Irlanda del Norte
WC Play-Offs