Ricardo Rodriguez’s penalty in the first leg that helped secure a 0-1 for the Swiss has put them in the driving seat in this game.
Although they were favourites before a ball was kicked in that game, no one thought they would have one foot on the plane to Russia by now however, thanks to that controversial penalty in the first leg.
They were unlucky not to have booked their place in Russia via automatic qualification as they had a perfect record until the last match day which saw them lose 2-0 to Portugal and also lose the top spot in the group to the European champions.
The hosts have been solid when they play at home as they have won their last six home games, keeping 5 clean sheets in the process.
After out-competing Czech to qualify for this playoff as second to Germany in their group, the Northern Irish men were looking for another fairytale run to Russia 2018 but their loss at home in the first leg will have put a damper on their confidence.
They have never been good goal scorers and they have lost their last three matches which makes it tough for them to overturn this game now.
They are coming up against a defensively sound Swiss side as they found out in the first leg and it is hard to see them turn this game around.
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