Prediction: Spain vs Ukraine

Prediction: Spain win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Betfair

European football is slowly but surely starting to return with a brand new season after an incredibly short absence, but for the next few days, the international game is going to become the core focal point – and that means the return of the UEFA Nations League. Spain and Ukraine will be clashing heads later on this week in what many consider to be a hyped up friendly, but with UEFA Euro 2021 coming up next season, this could serve as an important psychological edge for the winner.

Spain

The Group F winners wasted no time in securing their place in next year’s European Championship as they attempt to reclaim the title they lost four years ago. They’ve been scoring goals for fun in the last few years, and since the World Cup, they’ve come across as a country reborn. They went toe to toe with Germany in their first international for almost 10 months, and in a repeat of the Euro 2008 final, they secured a competitive 1-1 draw.

Team News

David de Gea is expected to start ahead of Arrizbalaga in goal, and with no fresh injury problems, Spain have been tipped to start with the same starting XI that played against Germany – and that means firepower in our book.

Ukraine

It was an impressive campaign for Ukraine in qualifying as they were just the fifth nation to confirm their place in Euro 2021, pipping Portugal to the post in Group B. They’re often viewed as little more than dark horses whenever they compete on the international stage, but they’ll be hoping that a crop of fresh faces can fire them to glory in the continent-wide tournament next summer. In their first game for almost a year, they beat a decent Switzerland side 2-1.

Team News

There are also no late fitness concerns for Ukraine, which should open the door for Tymchyk and Mykhaylichenko to both start after impressive displays against the Swiss. They’re going to be shooting for their strongest possible side, if only to try and send a message to the Spanish.

Factors to Consider

• Back in October 2015, Spain beat Ukraine 1-0 in Euro 2016 qualifying.
• Spain have won three and drawn three of their last six games.
• Ukraine have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Spain have scored 19 goals and conceded three in their last six games.
• Ukraine have scored 11 goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

We’re expecting a fun and flowing game between these two Euro 2021 participants, and in the end, we think the Spaniards are going to get themselves over the finish line. They may not have the same kind of spark that they did back when they won three tournaments in a row, but they still possess depth and ability in their ranks that go far beyond what Ukraine are capable of. It may be a pointless meeting for some, but Spain are still good enough to get the job done.

Prediction: Spain win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Betfair