Switzerland v Ecuador predictions, tips, line-ups and free bets (World Cup - Group E - June 15, 2014)

Saturday, 14 June 2014 22:27
Written by David Bet

Switzerland will measure forces with Ecuador at Estádio Nacional in Brasilia for the opening match of the World Cup’s Group E with the Swiss team are considered one of the possible surprise packages of this tournament. Check out here our SWITZERLAND v ECUADOR betting preview with tips, predictions, best odds, probable line-ups, free bets and no deposit bonuses on the match!

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SWITZERLAND v ECUADOR BETTING PREVIEW

Switzerland prepare for the game having been in fine form, only suffering one defeat since May 2012, despite facing teams such as Spain, who they famously defeated 1-0 in the group stage of the 2010 World Cup. They are now 3-1-1 in their last five international friendlies, including a 1-0 win over Brazil. The Swiss are not very prolific in attack they are solid at the back where they have conceded just one goal in their last 7 World Cup games played.

Hitzfeld's team has a strong midfield with the likes of Valentin Stocker, Gokhan Inter, and Xherdan Shaqiri creating through the middle. Josip Drmic is likely to lead the Swiss attack, with Admir Mehmedi in support. Senderos is expected to start on the bench, with former Arsenal teammate Johan Djourou set to partner Fabian Schär at centre-back.

Ecuador finished a highly respectable fourth in South American qualifying although all but three of their 25 points came from matches played on home soil. They have lost five and won none of their eight qualification fixtures on the road

Results from recent friendly matches suggest we could see goals, they edged Australia 4-3, drew 1-1 the Netherlands and 2-2 with England in addition to going down 3-1 to Mexico. That England result was a welcome boost ahead of Brazil, with La Tri, having only won one of their last six games. The defence will be the biggest concern for coach Reinaldo Rueda, with a leak of three goals in 36 minutes against Australia, and 2 goals in 5 minutes against Honduras, which conceded a 1-0 lead in the second half of the match.

Ecuador will rely upfront on Felipe Caicedo who has scored 7 goals in the 9 qualifying games. Enner Valencia should start in attack alongside Felipe Caicedo. Important midfielder Segundo Castillo was ruled out through injury, but there are no other problems for boss Reinaldo Rueda at the moment.

SWITZERLAND v ECUADOR PROBABLE LINEUPS

Switzerland (4-2-3-1): Benaglio; Rodriguez, Schar, Djorou, Lichtsteiner; Xhaka, Inler; Shaqiri, Stocker, Mehmedi; Drmic

Ecuador (4-4-2): Dominguez; Erazo, Paredes, Guagua, Ayovì; Noboa, Valencia, Castillo, Montero; Caicedo, E. Valencia