Preview: Switzerland vs. France

A vital clash in Group E at the World Cup takes place on Friday as Switzerland face France in Salvador.

Both teams have a good chance of making it through to the second round of the tournament after winning their opening fixtures.

The Swiss earned a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ecuador, while the French saw off Honduras 3-0 thanks to a brace from Karim Benzema.

A win for either side on Friday would see them take a big step towards getting out of the group.

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld and France counterpart Didier Deschamps have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the contest.

France have the better head-to-head record between the teams, winning 15 games compared to 12 for the Swiss. Meanwhile, there have been nine draws during their 36 previous encounters.

Recent form

Switzerland: WLDWWW

France: WWWDWW

Possible starting lineups

Switzerland: Benaglio; Lichtsteiner, Rodriguez, Djourou, Von Bergen; Inler, Shaqiri Behrami, Stocker, Xhaka; Drmic

France: Lloris; Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra; Cabaye, Matuidi, Pogba; Valbuena, Benzema, Griezmann

Sports Mole says: 0-2