Switzerland v Poland preview: Robert Lewandowski aims to end goal drought

Robert Lewandowski will be looking to end his goal drought for Poland against Switzerland in the last 16 of Euro 2016 in St Etienne on Saturday.

The Bayern Munich striker made it six successive matches without scoring when he failed to find the net in Poland's final group game against Ukraine.

Lewandowski says Switzerland are the favourites to progress to the quarter-finals, consequently giving his side underdog status.

"The Swiss are a very good team, one of the best in Europe, and they are the favourites." he told Polish news agency PAP.

"But like any team they have their weak points and I hope that we'll be able to take advantage of them."

Poland finished second in Group C behind Germany while Switzerland were runners-up to France in Group A.

Both sides have struggled for goals, scoring only twice each in their three group matches.

Stoke's Xherdan Shaqiri is yet to shine for Switzerland, although head coach Vladimir Petkovic is unconcerned.

"Individualists are having a tough time at his tournament," said Petkovic. "I'm satisfied that Xherdan is not an individualist at the moment, but a team player.

"He gives everything for the team and that's what he should keep doing. When the team goes well, everyone profits."

The winner of the tie will face either Croatia or Portugal in the quarter-finals.

Team news

There are no new injury concerns for Switzerland, for whom highly-rated youngster Breel Embolo is expected to start again.

Midfielder Bartosz Kapustka is suspended for Poland after picking up his second booking of the tournament against Ukraine.

Lukasz Fabianski is set to continue in goal as Wojciech Szczesny remains out with a thigh injury.

Opta stats

Switzerland have won only one of their 10 games against Poland; a friendly 40 years ago (2-1 in May 1976). Meanwhile, the Poles have won four and drawn five.

All three games played in St Etienne at Euro 2016 have ended in a draw.

Switzerland's two goals at Euro 2016 have both been scored from corners. Out of the 16 teams who have made it to the knockout stages, they are the only one yet to score from open play.

Switzerland have conceded only one goal so far at Euro 2016, it was from the penalty spot against Romania.

Poland have never scored more than one goal at the Euros (nine games). However, they haven't conceded a single goal in this year's group stages, the only team to do so alongside Germany.

Paul Merson's prediction

I quite like what I have seen from Poland. They look solid and were unlucky against Germany. Robert Lewandowski will come to the party soon.

Poland have got a good side and they have a chance with Lewandowski, who is world class. When you have that in your team you have always got an opportunity. It's a wide open tournament and anybody can go far.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (10/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

Poland are Sky Bet's 6/4 favourites for the victory within 90 minutes, making Switzerland 21/10 outsiders with a the draw and extra-time priced at 19/10. Both sides are still considered outsiders at 28/1 and 50/1 respectively despite the draw opening up in their favour.

Lewandowski heads the first goalscorer betting at 4/1 and is enhanced from 11/4 to 7/2 to net in a Poland victory. The Soccer Saturday pundits and Jamie Redknapp have made their predictions, including Charlie Nicholas' 30/1 fancy for Lewandowski to score first in a 2-1 victory.