FC Zurich will look to begin the new Swiss Super League season on a strong note when they welcome FC Sion to Stadion Letzigrund on Friday evening.

Separated by just a single position in last season's standings, both sides will be aiming to lay down an early marker in their 2025-26 campaign.

Match preview

Die Stadt approach the opening weekend with cautious optimism after a largely positive pre-season that saw them notch five wins from six warm-up games. Mitchell van der Gaag's men found the net 13 times across that stretch while conceding only five, although a 3-0 loss to SSV Ulm in their final tune-up did little to inspire confidence heading into competitive action.

Last season, Zurich endured an inconsistent campaign, finishing eighth in the regular-season standings with 47 points from 33 matches. 

Under the guidance of their new Dutch manager, the focus this term will be on building greater defensive solidity, improving ball retention in midfield, and establishing a more sustained run of form.

The 13-time Swiss champions have enjoyed the edge in recent encounters with Sion, winning three of the last six meetings between the sides. However, they suffered consecutive 2-1 defeats away to Sion earlier this year, underlining the fixture’s unpredictable nature. Overall, Zurich have claimed three wins in that period, while Sion have picked up two victories, with one match ending in a draw.

FC Sion, meanwhile, endured a tough pre-season that included a heavy 5-2 defeat to Zenit St Petersburg and a 3-0 humbling by Grasshoppers. Nonetheless, Didier Tholot's men ended their preparations on a positive note with a 3-0 win over Annecy FC, and they will be hoping to carry that momentum into the opening weekend.

The Valais-based club will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last season, where they finished ninth in the table with just 36 points, narrowly avoiding the drop. 

Sion's problems last term stemmed largely from a lack of cutting edge in attack and defensive frailty on the road, with their away form particularly damaging. Of their 17 away games last season, they won just three and conceded 32 goals.

While the Red and Whites were poor away from home last season, they have had some joy against Zurich, beating them twice already in 2025. Both of those wins came at Stade Tourbillon, but they will need to replicate that edge on their travels if they are to climb the table this year. The return of key figures and arrival of fresh faces could offer the jolt they need.

Much like their hosts, Sion need to be more decisive in both boxes. They have conceded at least one goal in each of their last eight league matches against Zurich and will need to shore up defensively if they are to come away with anything from Letzigrund.

Team News

Zurich will be without centre-back David Vujevic due to a muscle strain, with the 18-year-old not expected to return until late September. Also unavailable is Junior League, who is still recovering from a torn muscle and will be sidelined until mid-August.

New signings Nelson Palacio and Matthias Phaeton are both in line to make their debuts, with the former joining on loan from Real Salt Lake City and the latter arriving from CSKA Sofia. Mitchell is set to continue with a 4-3-3 shape that enables flexibility between midfield and attack.

As for the visitors, Altin Shala and Theo Berdayes remain unavailable due to knee injuries; both wingers are long-term absentees and will not feature. Their absence is a blow to Sion's wide play, but it opens up an opportunity for debutant Rilind Nivokazi to lead the line.

Tholot should name a familiar back four and may hand a start to attacking midfielder Anton Miranchuk, who offers guile in the final third. With no fresh suspensions, the visitors have a near-full squad to pick from outside of their known injuries. 

FC Zurich possible starting lineup:

Brecher; Kamberi, Gomez, Sauter, Volken; Palacio, Tsawa, Krasniqi; Emmanuel, Reverson, Zube

Sion possible starting lineup:

Racioppi; Kronig, Sow, Lavanchy, Hefti; Hajrizi; Kabacalman, Miranchuk, Kololli, Nivokazi; Chouaref

We say: FC Zurich 2-1 Sion

Zurich’s strong home record against Sion and their solid pre-season form tip the balance in their favour. While Sion have won the last two meetings, their inconsistency on the road and defensive lapses remain a concern.

A narrow home win looks the most likely outcome here, especially if Zurich’s attacking trio find early rhythm.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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