Serbia vs Switzerland prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for World Cup 2022 Group G match

Serbia will look for revenge over Switzerland from four years ago as both sides aim to secure a knockout stage place from Group G at the FIFA World Cup.

Brazil are expected to win the group, but the race for second is still anyone's game. Switzerland sit in second after their three points gained from the win over Cameroon, while Serbia are on one after their wild 3-3 draw with the African nation.

As such, Switzerland hold the advantage, requiring victory to ensure a place in the knockout stage but likely needing just a draw as long as Cameroon do not beat Brazil. Meanwhile, Serbia must win to qualify and also see Cameroon drop points.

Serbia have extra motivation after defeat to Switzerland in the 2018 World Cup group stage saw them on the outside looking in, while the Swiss advanced.

MORE: Follow all 2022 FIFA World Cup daily picks & predictions from The Sporting News here

Serbia vs. Switzerland odds

This match is an extremely even one, with Serbia the slight favorites but Switzerland clearly also with a great chance to secure a result, knowing just a point probably will do the trick.

With one team potentially playing for a draw, the under is a favorite in this match. It's a tough spot for bookmakers, with Serbia's goalscoring prowess and leaky defense going up against Switzerland's stout defensive organization and anemic attack.

Odds via BetMGM (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), SkyBet (UK), and Ladbrokes (Australia).

Serbia vs. Switzerland: 3 things to know

Serbia vs. Switzerland team news

Serbia's all-time leading goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic is gutting through a foot injury, but is managing to stay at a high level as he scored in the wild 3-3 draw with Cameroon. His striker partner Dusan Vlahovic, however, is another story, having seen just 24 minutes of action so far in the tournament as he deals with an adductor issue.

Switzerland have one big worry and that's with midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri, who missed training due to a calf injury, but the reports make it sound like he'll manage to prove fit. Noah Okafor missed the last match against Brazil due to a thigh injury and could be sidelined again. Yann Sommer had an injury issue coming into the tournament, but has shaken it off and has been one of the tournament's best goalkeepers.

MORE: Full injury tracker for all 32 teams at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Serbia vs. Switzerland key stats

• The expected starters for both sides in goal have combined for 19 saves in this tournament through their first two games, and have faced a combined 7.32 expected goals on target (xGOT). Everyone above them in the saves rankings have played a full three games, with the 18 of Wojciech Szczesny leading the way.
• These two European nations have played just once before ever, matching up in the 2018 World Cup as Switzerland won 2-1 in group stage play on a 90th minute winner from Xherdan Shaqiri, which saw Switzerland qualify for the knockout stage in second ahead of third-place Serbia.
• Serbia have not reached a World Cup knockout stage since 1998, while Switzerland have advanced from the group stage in four of their last five World Cup appearances.

Serbia vs. Switzerland match facts

• Date: Friday, December 2
• Kickoff Time: 2:00 pm ET / 7:00 pm GMT / 6:00 am AEDT (Sat, Dec. 3)
• Location: Ras Abu Aboud Stadium
• Official: Fernando Rapallini (Argentina)

Serbia vs. Switzerland prediction

• Moneyline lean: Serbia (+150)
• Against the spread lean: Serbia -0.5 (+138)
• Score prediction: Serbia 2-1 Switzerland

This is an extremely difficult match to flush out, as it presents an extreme clash of styles. An extremely defensive side in Switzerland, with just three shots on target all tournament, match up against a Serbia side that are fast-paced, physical, and high-scoring.

Here's how that usually ends up — a low total score, but the result favors the attacking side. While I'm staying away from this match if given the choice, because you're here, we'll assume that's not on the table. I like Serbia to win this game by a slim margin, knowing that a draw does them no good. 

MORE: How to watch Serbia vs. Switzerland in World Cup Group G play

Serbia vs. Switzerland: best bet

• Pick: Half with most goals — 2H
• Odds: +100 (BetMGM)

Both these teams are far more open after the break, and that should be even more true as the game progresses and one or both sides get desperate.

Both of the goals in Switzerland's games thus far have come in the second half. Meanwhile, of the eight goals either for or against Serbia, five have come in the second half, while another two came in first-half stoppage time against Cameroon.

This World Cup has been enormously skewed towards second-half scoring, and this match should be no different.

• Pick: Serbia to win
• Odds: +150 (BetMGM)

Knowing already that Serbia must win to have a chance at qualification, let's look at where this match will be won: in front of goal.

Serbia have not created all that many chances, to the tune of 2.06 xG through two games, but have finished at almost 2.60 xGOT. Meanwhile, Switzerland have created even less, at 1.74 xG, but are finishing to a putrid 0.94 xGOT, almost a full goal less. Serbia are the better side in front of goal, and should come out on top.

Serbia vs. Switzerland live stream, TV channel

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This final Group G match will be played at Stadium 974. Here's how you can watch all the action in some of the major global territories.