Verdict: Home win
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: bet365
Barring an epic collapse on either side, Colombia and Spain should clinch their berths to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the coming months. Both teams are among the most talented squads in their respective regions. And both have some of the most talented players in the world as well. With an eye towards the end of the Qualifiers, both sides will meet this Wednesday in a friendly match.
Spain
No one expected Spain to be out of the EURO 2016 as quickly as they did, but they have bounced back nicely. They top their group even though there still are five games left on their World Cup Qualifiers schedule. And overall they are riding a seven-game undefeated streak. Julen Lopetegui has led an important renewal that gave space to younger elements such as Isco, Nacho, Vitolo, and Diego Costa, just to name a few. With a game against Macedonia approaching on the horizon, this friendly against Colombia will be an opportunity to try a different tactical approach. After all, at least six players have been ruled out of this game already to give them additional rest. Nonetheless, Spain are likely to field a strong side. Colombia can become a threat if they don’t take the game seriously.
Team News
La Furia Roja will have several players unavailable ahead of this game. Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Morata, Isco, Nacho, and Marco Asensio are all out after defending Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League this past Saturday.
The rest of the regular names should remain in the lineup, however, so despite the absences Spain should have a decent squad nonetheless.
Colombia
Colombia might sit in second place in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, but they were in sixth place a few games ago. The team has been quite inconsistent, and the arrival of new players has not worked out as many expected. But their recent form has been very good, which suggests they are on the right track once again. Their two straight wins in the Qualifiers were an important boost for their confidence. And they also have several important players on good form. Therefore, I expect Colombia to represent quite a threat for Spain even if some of their best elements do not feature in this contest.
Team News
Los Cafeteros are expected to field a very strong squad for this game. Even though the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers won’t return until August, Colombia need to prepare properly because they have not secured a berth in Russia yet.
Juan Guillermo Cuadrado and James Rodriguez are both expected to be out. Both will receive additional rest after the UEFA Champions League Final last Saturday. But the remainder of the regulars should be available for Jose Pekerman.
Key Factors to Consider
- These two sides have met just once before, and Spain won that game 2-0. It happened in 2011.
- Spain have a seven-game undefeated streak since their EURO 2016 exit. They also have three straight wins in the World Cup Qualifiers.
- La Roja have five wins and just two draws over that span, scoring 23 goals and allowing just four.
- Colombia won their past two World Cup Qualifying matches, but prior to that they were carrying a three-game winless streak.
- Colombia currently sit second in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers with 24 points, but they are only two points clear off a potential playoff berth.
Conclusion
Even though Spain will rest several important players such as Isco and Sergio Ramos, they are favourites. Colombia are an average side without Rodriguez and Cuadrado, as they lose a lot of their pace upfront. Both sides will feature strong squads, but Spain have had better results of late. Expect La Furia Roja to claim the win rather easily.
Verdict: Home win
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: bet365
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