#360fans: Switzerland vs Albania – Euro 2016

Sport360 staff 20:31 10/06/2016
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  • Who will win between Switzerland and Albania?

    Ahead of their Group A clash in Lens on Saturday, Switzerland and Albania UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.

    To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.

    Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.

    SWITZERLAND – Nabil Selini (Senior Broker, Dubai)

    The Nati has been preparing for the tournament in Montpellier and appear to be in relaxed mood ahead of their first game – probably helped by most of them enjoying a round of golf on Thursday!

    With no injury concerns, Switzerland should feel really confident heading into the game against an Albania side that found goals very hard to come by in qualifying. Yes they were good defensively but the Swiss were excellent going forward on the way to reaching France and will feel confident of breaching the Albanian defence.

    There have been stories swirling around in recent days about the future of young striker Breel Embolo, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United. It’s no surprise to Swiss fans so let’s hope he shows the world why the Red Devils are interested on Saturday night.

    PREDICTION: Switzerland 2-1 Albania

    LIKELY SWITZERLAND XI: Sommer, Lichtsteiner, Djourou, Schaer, Rodriguez; Behrami, Xhaka, Shaqiri, Dzemaili, Mehmedi, Embolo

    SWITZERLAND PLAYER TO WATCH: Breel Embolo – a young player of only 19, but he enjoyed an impressive season with FC Basel and boasts a powerful presence.

    ALBANIA PLAYER TO WATCH: Elseid Hysaj – The Napoli right-back has been in fine form and is as good in attack as he is defence. May end up playing as more of a right-winger and will be dangerous crossing from the right.

    WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: Barasti Beach Bar, the Media One Hotel (ON42) or Nelson Pub at the Media Rotana.

    Xhulio Kllogjeri (Accountant, Dubai)

    The Albania squad are not in a good place at present after some players expressed disappointment with a couple of coach Gianni De Biasi’s selection decisions in the 23-man squad. De Biasi has always been good at keeping the players together and it will require all his experience to make sure this doesn’t develop into a dressing-room rift.

    Another worry comes in the form of goalkeeper Etrit Berisha, whose form in the pre-tournament friendlies has been patchy at best. It seems he looks scared by the responsibility on his shoulders, which is a shame after he enjoyed such a great qualifying campaign.

    We are really hoping that these problems don’t affect the morale of the squad going into this historic game against Switzerland. It is an occasion that the players and fans should be relishing, and fingers crossed we can start with a surprise win.

    PREDICTION: Switzerland 1-1 Albania

    ALBANIA PLAYER TO WATCH: Elseid Hysaj. Powerful, technical, fast – he is a complete full-back and Albania’s most gifted player.

    SWITZERLAND PLAYER TO WATCH: Granit Xhaka. The brain of the Switzerland team and their top scorer in qualifying; the new Arsenal signing is his nation’s beating heart and Albania will need to cut off his supply.

    WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: Velocity Sports Bar at the JW Mariott Hotel, Business Bay

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