Euro 2016 Qualifying Tips: Switzerland on the way up

Vladimir Petkovic had a tricky first few games as Switzerland boss

Michael Lintorn is upbeat to vary degrees about Austria, Belarus and Switzerland's Saturday night chances...

Austria v Russia
Saturday, 17:00
Live on Sky Sports 5

Match Odds: Austria 2.942/1, Russia 2.89/5, The Draw 3.259/4

It has been a pretty rotten 2014 for Russia, who have won just two of their last seven games - ones at home to Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein. After an impressive World Cup qualifying campaign raised expectations, they exited the actual tournament winless and have been held in two of their first three Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Austria by contrast assumed early leadership of Group G by drawing with Sweden and then beating Moldova and Montenegro. The sole defeat in their previous seven competitive fixtures as hosts (W5 D1 L1) was inflicted by world champions Germany, so more disappointment is likely to await Russia.

Recommended Bet: Back Austria to win (draw no bet) @ 1.991/1

Spain v Belarus
Saturday, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports 5

Match Odds: Spain 1.11/10, Belarus 40.039/1, The Draw 14.013/1

While much attention will be paid to the impact that Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas' unavailability will have on Spain's attack, it is the European Championship holders' defensive record which is potentially even more significant.

They have achieved only one clean sheet in four attempts - and that against Luxembourg - since a World Cup in which they conceded seven times across their clashes with Netherlands and Chile. Belarus meanwhile have failed to score in a mere three of their past 15 encounters.

Recommended Bet: Back Spain not to keep a clean sheet @ 3.02/1

Switzerland v Lithuania
Saturday, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports Red Button

Match Odds: Switzerland 1.241/4, Lithuania 18.5n/a, The Draw 6.611/2

Replacing a managerial heavyweight like Ottmar Hitzfeld, who claimed seven Bundesliga titles, two Champions Leagues and a hell of a lot more besides before retiring, was never going to be easy and so it has proven for Vladimir Petkovic, who lost his opening two matches as Switzerland boss.

A victory over San Marino has at least afforded them some momentum since, while Lithuania - whose two-out-of-two triumphant start from some of their easier gentler fixtures was as surprising as Switzerland's struggles - surrendered theirs with a 0-2 home reverse to Slovenia.

There has been just one side on the scoresheet in all nine Group E ties to date and, with Switzerland worthy favourites for this contest, they have to therefore be fancied to win to nil.

Recommended Bet: Back Switzerland to win to nil @ 1.684/6