Switzerland simply must secure maximum points in Baku, on Sunday, as a tally of just one from their first two Group A fixtures has left them in a perilous position heading into potentially their final game of Euro 2020.
Ahead of their critical clash with Turkey - who will benefit from a partisan crowd in the Azeri capital - the Swiss are relying on Wales to lose in Italy, while also seeking to post a superior goal difference to the side they drew 1-1 with last week.
Therefore, as winning by a multiple-goal margin could prove decisive, coach Vladimir Petkovic may allow license for his most gifted final-third operators to roam more freely; particularly inspirational playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri, who has a habit of conjuring something spectacular just when his nation really needs it most.
Switzerland, nevertheless, are unlikely to stray far from their favoured 3-4-1-2 formation, with captain Granit Xhaka being joined by either Remo Freuler or highly-rated Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria in the heart of midfield.
Ahead of them, Shaqiri should once more start behind two central strikers, with Mario Gavranovic a serious contender to replace Haris Seferovic alongside the scorer of La Nati's only goal so far, Breel Embolo.
Though another Gladbach man, goalkeeper Yann Sommer, was in doubt for the defeat to Italy - as his pregnant partner was due to give birth - he will continue as the last line of the so-far leaky Swiss defence, after returning to training following the birth of his baby daughter on Thursday.
The well-established back three of Bundesliga duo Nico Elvedi and Manuel Akanji alongside Newcastle United's Fabian Schar is set to be retained - despite concerns over their stability to date - particularly as they can pose a significant threat from set pieces in the opposition area.
Switzerland possible starting lineup: Sommer; Elvedi, Schar, Akanji; Mbabu, Freuler, Xhaka, Rodriguez; Shaqiri; Embolo, Gavranovic
> Click here to see how Turkey could line up for Sunday's Group A clash
body check tags ::
