Conor Davies previews the World Cup group E clash between Switzerland and Ecuador (5pm).
Summary: The biggest talking point regarding Switzerland is their FIFA ranking. As the sixth best side in the world, the Swiss are still being derided 'they don't deserve it, they won't do anything' - but it was they who were seeded for the World Cup draw and they who have beaten Brazil and Germany in the past couple of years. Expect big things from this impressive collection of players. Ecuador proved to be an irritant in Miami for England and the defensively-minded Swiss will be aware of the threats Antonio and Edison Valencia offer. Former Manchester City forward Felipe Caicedo is also a presence in a side that dearly misses the ex-Birmingham City striker 'Chucho' Benitez, who sadly passed away last summer of a cardiorespiratory arrest, following a game for his Qatari club.
Probable Line-Ups
Switzerland: Benaglio; Lichsteiner, von Bergen, Schar, Rodriguez; Behrami, Inler, Mehmedi, Shaqiri; Stocker, Drmic
Ecaudor: Banguera; Paredes, Guagua, Erazo, W Ayovi; A Valencia, Noboa, Montero, E Valencia; Gruezo, Caicedo
Venue: Estadio Nacional, Brasilia
England links
Switzerland: There's no representation from England.
Ecuador: Antonio Valencia, at Manchester United, is the only player to play in British leagues.
Derby County links.
Switzerland: Patrick Foletti
Ecuador: none.
Battle to watch: Antonio Valencia vs Stephan Lichtsteiner: As Valencia showed in the friendly against England in Miami, his pace and great delivery will be an asset for Ecuador. Although he rarely starred for United in a troubled season for the club as a whole, you can tell he relishes taking up the mantle for his country, as he is by far and away the best player. Trying to stop him will be Lichsteiner, an important cog in the way Juventus have played, and a competent full-back. His qualities come in attack, with his use as a wing-back proving to be very effective in the three Scudettos the Italian side have won in the past three seasons. An interesting battle for sure.
