Despite the anticipation that drove the Scotland national team's Euro 2024 campaign opener against Germany last week, the brutal 5-1 defeat brought the nation back to Earth with an almighty thud.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke has always maintained four points from the group stage's three games is key, but with confidence now at an all-time low, tonight's match against Switzerland – and indeed Sunday's encounter with Hungary – feels far more important than it might have before.
Clarke, alongside captain Andy Robertson and a handful of other Scotland players since, have promised a reaction to last week's brutal defeat – but in the meantime, here are our Scotland vs Switzerland predictions ahead of Group A's Matchday Two.
Scotland vs Switzerland score predictions
David Irvine
Scotland 1 – 1 Switzerland
After the crushing opening defeat to Germany, Scotland must deliver a vastly improved performance. Matching Switzerland will be no easy task but spurred on by the haunting memories of Munich, Scotland have the ability to take a point to keep qualification hopes alive. A draw would be acceptable for both sides.
Joel Sked
Scotland 1 – 0 Switzerland
Similar to a Scottish hangover after a night on the German lagers, the match with Switzerland will be that first pint the following day, it will either cure or kill. I'm confident it will be the former and Scotland will bounce back in Koln and put themselves in a great position to finish as runners-up to Germany. I liked Steve Clarke's comments and approach over the weekend.
There is still a fatalistic element to following the national team but they have shown themselves both resilient and capable of producing on the big occasion and when it really matters. Wednesday night will be one of those games. It will be nervy and tight with chances few and far between but the Swiss looked susceptible from crosses. Scotland will get joy from that avenue with John McGinn popping up at the back post to score the only goal.
Matthew Lindsay
Scotland 1 – 3 Switzerland
I am afraid I do not hold out much hope of Scotland putting their humiliation at the hands of Germany behind them and recording a result against Switzerland which gives them a chance of reaching the Euro 2024 knockout rounds.
The opening Group A game in the Allianz Arena last Friday confirmed a few fears I had during the build-up – that Steve Clarke is missing too many key men through injury and too many of the players who are here are not fully fit.
I hope that I proved emphatically wrong. I hope Andy Robertson and his team mates produce the same sort of display that they did against Spain in qualifying last year and England at Euro 2020 and give the Tartan Army a night to remember.
But I suspect that Swiss manager Murat Yakin has too much quality at his disposal in every area and believe another loss will be suffered in Cologne. I would accept an improved performance which Scottish supporters can be proud of.
Graeme McGarry
Scotland 1 – 1 Switzerland
Well, it certainly helps to have your glass half full when you’re a Scotland supporter, and preferably with something strong. The disappointment of Friday evening has been hard to shake. The defeat was no surprise, but the manner of it was, and I just hope that Steve Clarke can make the necessary tweaks to his set up and lift his players sufficiently so that the Scots keep things alive going into Sunday. Billy Gilmour has to start, with Scott McTominay pushing on. That might be enough to earn a crucial draw.
Ewan Paton
Scotland 2 – 2 Switzerland
Truly, I wish I could foresee a victory here in what would be a much-required three points in Group A. I just can't see it though. After Friday night's embarrassment, any improvement from the boys in blue won't be difficult. With Billy Gilmour coming back in, and hopefully with more emphasis on being on the front-foot - whilst also remaining relatively resolute - a draw is achievable to take things to the final game showdown against Hungary.
Liam Bryce
Scotland 1 – 1 Switzerland
I have serious concerns that the psychological impact of Friday's carnage has taken a sledgehammer to our entire campaign. Clarke's Scotland have responded to setbacks before but that was utterly demoralising, and I can't shake the feeling we might already be out for the count. However, at the risk of, as the manager says, being a negative Norman, maybe we can sneak a draw?
Tony Haggerty
Scotland 2 – 1 Switzerland
Switzerland will be hoping to register back-to-back wins and book their place in the knockout stages. Scotland boss Steve Clarke has cuddled the boys after the crushing opening defeat against Germany. The bottom line is that we need to stop conceding goals and is this the moment for Billy Gilmour and Lawrence Shankland? Group hugs to prove we're not Euro 2024 mugs.
Ryan McGinlay
Scotland 2 – 2 Switzerland
One of the most impressive sides so far at the tournament, Switzerland will prove to be tough opponents for Steve Clarke and his Scotland team. Much like Toni Kroos for Germany, Granit Xhaka must not be allowed to do as he pleases in this game, as he will dictate proceedings if given the opportunity. Keep him quiet, and Scotland may have a chance at getting something here. An exciting game awaits in Cologne, and one that Scotland will hope to turn up in, unlike last Friday.
Joshua Barrie
Scotland 1 – 1 Switzerland
Well Friday wasn't very fun, was it? So much rides on this game to not only make progression seem possible but also feel possible with a far stronger level of competition is required. Switzerland are stronger than they were given credit for before the tournament. Much like the last Euros, expect Steve Clarke's team to respond to a disappointing opening game with a competitive draw and Scott McTominay goal.
Joe Donnelly
Scotland 3 – 3 Switzerland
I expected a stuffy and cagey opening match against Germany, and I couldn't have been more wrong – the Germans were awesome from start to finish. Switzerland showed similar swagger in their opener against Hungary, but I think (hope) there's a chance they'll enter this one underestimating their opponents. I long for an open game with plenty of excitement at either end of the pitch. I'd love Scotland to sneak a win, but I'm predicting a high-scoring draw that helps restore some faith as the nation enters its final game against Hungary on Sunday.
Jonny McFarlane
Scotland 1 – 1 Switzerland
Scotland aren't playing well but Clark has shown he's a manager capable of bouncing back from adversity. The team will need to be aggressive and cohesive off the ball and ruthless on it. Billy Gilmour coming back is a must and if the manager is to repeat his Germany selection in the midfield, a loss seems inevitable.
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