Prediction: Switzerland vs Spain

Verdict: Spain win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to pick up their first Nations League victory at the third attempt, Spain will make the trip to Switzerland on Thursday night.

Switzerland

Starting with the hosts, while Switzerland might have found somewhat of an immediate boost when they brought in Head Coach Murat Yakin back in August, they are in the midst of a recent blip. Although the Reds might have stormed their way to this year’s World Cup finals out in Qatar, the Rossocrociati have failed to pick up any kind of momentum over recent months. Along with opening this year’s Nations League adventure with a disappointing 2-1 loss away at the Czech Republic, Switzerland are also coming off the back of a nightmare display. Simply glad to make a return to home soil on Thursday night, Yakin’s downbeat squad were last seen getting hit with a 4-0 drumming at the hands of Portugal. Eventually crashing out of last summer’s European Championships after a heartbreaking penalties defeat against Spain, the midweek hosts should be bracing themselves for another stern test here.

Team News

Picking up back-to-back Nation League bookings, Newcastle defender Fabian Schar will miss out on Thursday night as he serves a one-match suspension.

Experienced number one goalkeeper Yann Sommer is expected to come back in and start between the sticks here.

Spain

As for the visitors, while Spain might have managed to snatch a last-gasp point away at the Czech Republic last weekend, the former world champions are still looking for their first Nations League victory. Eventually playing out a 2-2 draw on foreign soil, Head Coach Luis Enrique has now seen his side play out back-to-back stalemates. However, looking to find some kind of boost when they make the trip to Switzerland on Thursday night, the one-time Barcelona boss does find his squad going through a continued transition. Having to settle for a silver medal in last year’s inaugural Nations League after a 2-1 loss against France at the San Siro eight months ago, Enrique’s men should be boosted by their recent record against the midweek hosts. Knocking them out of last summer’s European Championship thanks to a nail-biting penalties victory, Spain have lost just one of their nine meeting against the Rossocrociati.

Team News

Continuing on a nightmare run with injuries, Spain have admitted that Barcelona starlet Ansu Fati is not likely to feature in this month’s international break.

However, continuing to gain a host of plaudits 17-year-old sensation Gavi should partner teammate Sergio Busquets in midfield.

Key Factors to Consider

• Switzerland have lost their two opening two Nations League matchups by an aggregate score of 6-1.
• Likewise, Spain have also opened their Nations League campaign with back-to-back stalemates against the Czech Republic and Portugal.
• However, the former world champions have lost just one of their previous 10 matchups across all formats.
• Three of the last four meetings between Thursday’s opponents have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Switzerland have managed to record just a single clean sheet from any of their last five matchups across all formats.

Conclusion

While Spain might still be looking for their first Nations League victory at the third attempt here, they should be smelling a chance on foreign soil. With Switzerland eventually getting hit with a 4-0 drumming at the hands of Portugal, Thursday’s hosts are in the midst of a real struggle. Yet to pick up a single point in this year’s tournament, the Rossocrociati have the feel of a side really seeking some stability. However, knowing that they will face another stern test on foreign soil here, it should be noted that they hold a worrying record against the former world champions. Hit with a penalties defeat and crashing out of last summer’s European Championships at the hands of Spain, we’re backing an away victory here.

Verdict: Spain win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Unibet