Prediction: Spain vs Colombia

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

In what is a heavyweight friendly showdown on Friday night, Spain and Colombia will meet at Wembley this weekend.

Spain

Starting with Spain, while La Roja might have come under real scrutiny 15 months ago as they had to settle for a Round of 16 finish in Qatar, the European heavyweights have come roaring back in some style. Cruising their way to EURO 24 and making a major statement, Luis de la Fuente’s men are now tipped as a genuine contender out in Germany this summer. Last seen signing off 2023 with a routine 3-1 victory against Georgia on November 19th, Spain will be looking to keep up their purple patch here. Crowned UEFA Nations League champions for a first time last summer, the one-time Alaves boss has seen his side win all of their previous eight straight appearances across all competitions. Gaining a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, La Roja should be relishing a return to action this weekend.

Team News

With Valencia defender Jose Gaya withdrawing from Spain’s squad last week, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella has been selected as a replacement and could earn a second senior international cap here. Continuing to shine in Arsenal’s Premier League title charge this season, former Brentford shot-stopper will be hoping to dethrone Unai Simon between the sticks.

Appointed Spain’s new skipper last year, Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata will spearhead La Roja’s charge this weekend. Enjoying what has been a breakout campaign with Spanish heavyweights Barcelona 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal should feature here.

Colombia

As for Colombia, while the Tricolour might have eventually failed to punch a World Cup ticket two years ago, Nestor Lorenzo’s men have come roaring back in a stunning fashion. Signing off 2023 with an action-packed 3-2 victory against Mexico, they are remarkably unbeaten in all of their previous 19 straight appearances across all competitions. Likewise, not suffering a single defeat from any of their first six World Cup qualifying showdowns last year, Colombia find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. With their extended purple patch underlined by a famous 2-1 win against South American icons Brazil on November 17th, Lorenzo’s men should be relishing a trip to Wembley on Friday night. Despite facing what will be a heavyweight challenge here, Colombia will be looking to make another major statement.

Team News

Now playing his domestic football with Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo, former Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez looks set to earn a 97th international cap on Friday night. However, 38-year-old icon Radamel Falcao has not been included in Colombia’s squad and will not feature at Wembley.

At the heart of a Premier League title scrap with Liverpool ace Luis Diaz will certainly have a leading role to play in the English capital this weekend. Among the notable names in Lorenzo’s squad for March’s fixtures include veteran goalkeeper David Ospina and former Everton defender Yerry Mina.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Spain and Colombia last met back in June 2017 for a friendly showdown, Friday’s opponents played out a 2-2 stalemate.
• La Roja have won all of their previous eight straight appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, Spain have notched 21 goals on that eight-match winning run.
• Colombia have won all of their previous four appearances across all formats by an aggregate score of 7-3.
• The Tricolour are remarkably unbeaten in all of their previous 19 straight contests across all competitions.

Conclusion

Although Spain might have signed off 2023 in the midst of a real purple patch, La Roja should be bracing themselves for a tricky test when they arrive at Wembley on Friday night. With Colombia enjoying what has been an astonishing 19-match unbeaten run across all competitions, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable affair from the English capital this weekend. With the two sides playing out a 2-2 stalemate when they last met for a friendly contest back in June 2017, we are expecting chances at both ends of the pitch.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster