Switzerland and Algeria meet in Vancouver on Thursday night with a place in the World Cup round of 16 at stake.
The Swiss were shocked by a late Qatar equaliser in their opening Group B game, but bounced back with a 4-1 victory over Bosnia before beating co-hosts Canada to seal top spot.
Algeria were defeated by a Lionel Messi hat-trick and lost 3-0 to Argentina in their first match of the tournament, but defeated Jordan and drew with Austria to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Switzerland and Algeria now face off in the round of 32 and the victors will face Colombia or Ghana in the next phase of this World Cup.
Switzerland vs. Algeria betting picks and predictions
Switzerland to win (+100)
Switzerland were rocked when they conceded an injury-time leveller against Qatar and the setback could have derailed the tournament for Murat Yakin's side.
They responded in the best way possible, however, scoring four goals in the last 25 minutes to defeat Bosnia 4-1 and going on to beat Canada in front of the co-hosts' fervent support.
Switzerland's two victories will have given their players confidence and they will be eager to continue their winning run against Algeria.
The Fennecs could do little to stop Messi but got the job done against Jordan and would have defeated Austria but for a late equaliser.
This is an experienced Swiss side though and are competing at a sixth straight World Cup. They should boast enough knowhow to edge the match and beat Algeria to reach the Round of 16.
Both teams to score (-110)
All three of Switzerland's group matches saw both teams score. While the Swiss netted seven times in Group B, Yakin's team conceded in each game and it's a scenario that is likely to be repeated in Vancouver.
Algeria let in goals in all three of their Group J matches and only failed to net against Argentina, scoring a total of five times in the win over Jordan and 3-3 draw with Austria.
Switzerland have kept only one clean sheet in nine games, so Algeria should find an opportunity to get on the scoresheet presents itself
Algeria had earned four straight clean sheets in the build-up to the World Cup, recording shutouts against Uruguay and the Netherlands, but will be more open at the back as they push forward in the knockout phase of the tournament.
While Switzerland are favourites to progress, both teams are likely to find the net.
Johan Manzambi anytime goalscorer (+333)
Johan Manzambi has caught the eye for Switzerland at this World Cup, scoring three goals in his last two games.
The 20-year-old, who plays his club football for German club Freiburg, netted a brace in the 4-1 victory over Bosnia before scoring what would prove to be the decisive second goal in the win against Canada.
Manzambi came off the bench in the first two matches before starting against Canada and, whether he is given the nod again against Algeria or is introduced as a substitute, backing him to score anytime could prove a smart play.
Read more betting picks and predictions for soccer on site.
Switzerland vs. Algeria odds
Switzerland | +100 |
Tie | +220 |
Algeria | +330 |
Switzerland vs. Algeria player props
Anytime goalscorer
Breel Embolo (Switzerland) | +150 |
Dan Ndoye (Switzerland) | +275 |
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) | +300 |
Amine Gouiri (Algeria) | +300 |
Johan Manzambi (Switzerland) | +333 |
Ibrahim Maza (Algeria) | +450 |
Read the latest soccer news on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
