Prediction: Spain vs Switzerland

Verdict: Half-Time Draw/Full-Time Home Win

Best Odds: 31/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

With less than two weeks to go before the World Cup 2018, the Spanish national team kicks off the preparations for Russia with a friendly international against another World Cup participant, Switzerland. The game will be played on Sunday night (21:00 CET) at El Madrigal.

Spain

The World Cup 2010 winners Spain have a big point to prove as they prepare for Russia. Following back-to-back disappointments at the European Championship in France and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, La Roja will be keen to get back to their imperious best.

Julen Lopetegui seems to have stabilised the squad by finding the perfect balance between youth and experience. Six years after their last major success – at the Euro 2012 – Spain is heading to Russia with fresh blood and talent. The likes of Isco, Marco Asensio and Saul Niguez replaced those of Pedro, Javi Martinez and Cesc Fabregas to inject a new hope ahead of the showpiece tournament. Lopetegui did wise to retain the services of players who were the backbone of the Spanish 2010 success. The likes of Sergio Ramos, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique are there to make what could be their last hurrah at the international stage. The same can said of Barcelona legend, Andres Iniesta who will be keen to cap an emotional summer and try to win the biggest prize he could dream of after leaving his beloved club this summer.

Team News

Julen Lopetegui will have almost a full squad to choose from for the international friendly against Switzerland.

The Spanish side will be without Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal, though. The 26-year-old picked up an injury in the Champions League final but is expected to be fit for the World Cup.

Switzerland

Sitting sixth in the FIFA world ranking, Switzerland could be one of the potential surprises at the World Cup in Russia. Their prospects of going through the group stage might be one of the hardest to predict knowing that Vladimir Petkovic’s men have been slotted in a difficult group. Still, the Swiss are relishing their chances against Brazil, Serbia and Costa Rica.

The forthcoming clash against Spain will provide a deep insight into real possibilities of the Swiss side. A 6-0 win over Panama in March suggested Petkovic’s team is capable of tackling challenges with ease but the forthcoming game against Spain will be a different test altogether. It will, however, be a genuine test for the Swiss ahead of their opening World Cup match against one of the favourites for the title – Brazil. Switzerland boasts a talented side filled with notable players such as the Schalke talent Breel Embolo or more established names Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri.

Team News

Vladimir Petkovic will have to wait on Borussia Monchengladbach’s Josip Drmic who is returning from injury.

The Swiss will lock horns with Spain without Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka who picked up an injury in training this week and will be rested to make sure he gets fit for the World Cup.

Key Factors to Consider

• Switzerland hasn’t gotten past quarterfinals in any of their World Cup appearances before
• The Swiss are currently a 6th country in FIFA world rankings, Spain sits in 8th place
• La Roja last won the World Cup title in 2010
• Spain are unbeaten in their last 18 matches across all competitions
• Switzerland won 6 of their last 7 matches on the road

Conclusion

Spanish national team is on a mission to climb back to the world pedestal and will face a daunting task against the in-form Swiss side, who are not to be underestimated. La Roja boast one of the strongest sides heading into the World Cup, but Switzerland have proven to be a tough nut to crack for many.

Verdict: Half-Time Draw/Full-Time Home Win

Best Odds: 31/10

Bookmaker: 888sport