Italy vs Switzerland: Tipster J's best bets as the top two clash in Group C

Live on Sky Sports, 1st and 2nd go head to head in Group C as Italy host Switzerland in what looks like a ‘winner takes all’.

Both of these sides sit on 14 points after 6 games and have guaranteed at least a play off spot already, but top spot is still up for grabs. A draw will be enough to keep Italy top of the group so we could see an attacking performance from the away side going for all 3 points.

Italy’s ever-impressive 37 game unbeaten run came to an end in the last international break after a 2-1 loss inflicted by Spain in the Nations league. However, the Azzurri remain unbeaten in this qualifying campaign (4W,D2) and have only conceded one goal in the process.

Switzerland hold the same record as Italy in this group, and will look to continue their unbeaten start under new manager Murat Yakin. The reverse fixture saw the Swiss pick up an impressive point in a game which ended 0-0, a result which they will need to build this time out to knock the Italians off of their perch in group C.

The home side have a few sidelined players ahead of this fixture – Chiellini, Immobile, Pellegrini and Zaniolo have all pulled out through injury, with Marco Verrati also unavailable.

The away side are also without key players Friday evening – Embolo, Zuber and Elvedi are all absent, whilst Granit Xhaka is still unavailable.

We could see Italy settle for a point here, as this would keep them top of the group. The double chance is something that has landed in 38/39 games for the Italians and I fancy it again with the injuries to the away side.

Switzerland have nothing to lose here having already guaranteed a play off place, only a win can put them top. They managed 8 corners in the reverse so giving the fact as some point they will have to attack this fixture, they should manage a few corners.

I expect a cagey game between these two, with the last nine H2Hs ending with under 4 goals, and the most recent one goalless.

These three selections combined gives us a value 4/5 bet builder, completing my main play for this game.

A short price for a booking but it’s easy to see why. The Mochengladbach midfielder has been carded in 6 of his last 11 appearances, including both of his previous 2 international starts.

I expect Italy to play on the counter at some point and I’m sure the Swiss man won’t hesitate to take one for his side if the opportunity arises.

The game state here could allow for Switzerland to rack up the corners. I mentioned they managed 8 in the reverse and with the injuries to Italy they will have to give it a right go.

Combining this by backing the Zakaria booking along with under 3 goals, gives us an appealing 14/1 longshot for some added interest Friday evening.