Prediction: Spain vs Serbia

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 107/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Spain will look to solidify their position at the top of Group 4 in League A as they welcome Serbia to the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday night. Luis de la Fuente’s side recently secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Denmark, maintaining their strong start in the competition.

Serbia, meanwhile, come into the match on the back of a highly impressive 2-0 triumph over Switzerland, pushing them to four points in the group. Things will obviously get a lot harder when they face the reigning European champions at the Estadio Nuevo Arcangel.

Spain

Spain struggled to hit top gear in their clash with Denmark on Saturday, but Martin Zubimendi’s late strike in the 79th minute was enough to secure a 1-0 victory. This hard-fought win propelled La Roja to the top of Group 4, now with seven points from their first three matches.

The reigning Euro 2024 and Nations League champions are eyeing a further three points to strengthen their grip on the group ahead of their final two fixtures next month against Denmark and Switzerland. Spain have been terrific under De la Fuente, remaining unbeaten since their 1-0 defeat to Colombia in March, though their previous meeting with Serbia ended in a 0-0 stalemate last month.

While Spain enter this match with momentum, they are dealing with a few notable absences. Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal has been ruled out due to an injury sustained against Denmark, adding to the challenge for the home side. Nonetheless, Spain’s depth and defensive stability should help them handle the in-form Serbian side.

Team News

Apart from Yamal, De la Fuente won’t be able to call upon goalkeeper Unai Simon, defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin le Normand, midfielders Rodri and Dani Olmo, as well as winger Nico Williams, all through various injury issues.

Alex Baena is likely to come into the side in the place of Yamal, but the rest of the team that started against Denmark should remain unchanged.

Serbia

Serbia have made a promising start to their 2024/25 UEFA Nations League campaign, showing resilience after a disappointing Euro 2024 group stage exit. Dragan Stojkovic’s men opened with a solid 0-0 draw against Spain, but they faltered in their next match, falling 2-0 to Denmark in September. However, they returned to winning ways on Saturday with a 2-0 triumph over Switzerland, thanks to an own-goal by Nico Elvedi and a fine strike from Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Currently third in Group 4, Serbia sit just two points behind second-placed Denmark and three behind leaders Spain, meaning a victory on Tuesday would keep their hopes of progressing alive ahead of the final group matches in November.

Despite losing just once in their last five outings, Serbia face an uphill battle against the formidable Spaniards. However, with players like Mitrovic in good form, Serbia will believe they can push Spain once again and potentially cause an upset.

Team News

Stojkovic may opt to retain the same starting XI that impressed in Serbia’s 2-0 victory over Switzerland, particularly given the strong performances across the pitch. Aleksandar Mitrovic is expected to continue leading the line, with his record of 59 goals in 95 international appearances making him a key figure for Serbia. His excellent form for Al-Hilal, where he has scored 14 goals in 11 matches, further cements his position as the focal point of the attack.

Defensively, Nikola Milenkovic is likely to maintain his place, while Sasa Lukic should keep his spot in midfield, offering stability and protection. Despite being substituted at half-time against Switzerland, Porto’s Marko Grujic is expected to feature in the starting XI as well.

Conclusion

There is far too much quality in the Spain squad for any other outcome than a home victory to be expected. However, Serbia will probably prove tougher to subdue than their standing in the FIFA rankings (35th place) might suggest.

A hard fought contest is, therefore, likely in this match, with goals at both ends of the pitch.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 107/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet