Spain Eye Strong Finish as Switzerland Seek Consolation in Nations League Clash
As Group 4 of League A in the UEFA Nations League concludes, Spain, the reigning champions, host Switzerland at Sevilla’s Estadio de la Cartuja on Monday evening. With Spain already guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals and Switzerland relegated to League B, the match offers contrasting motivations for the two sides.
Match Preview
Spain extended their dominant run with a 2-1 victory over Denmark on Friday, courtesy of goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Ayoze Perez. La Roja’s tally of 13 points from five matches secures their top spot in the group, leaving Monday’s game as an opportunity to maintain momentum and give fringe players a chance to shine.
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Luis de la Fuente’s men have been in imperious form, winning four straight group matches after a draw with Serbia in September. Adding to their laurels, Spain are also the reigning European champions, having defeated England in the Euro 2024 final.
Switzerland, on the other hand, has endured a dismal campaign. With just two points from five games, Murat Yakin’s side is confirmed for relegation. Their struggles were encapsulated in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Serbia, where Zeki Amdouni’s opener was canceled out late by Aleksa Terzic.
While Switzerland historically upset Spain at the 2010 World Cup and in the 2022-23 Nations League, their current form has been subpar. Spain’s 4-1 victory in their last meeting underscores the gulf in quality between the two sides this time around.
Team News
Spain:
Luis de la Fuente will shuffle his pack, with Martin Zubimendi, Alex Baena, and Oyarzabal unavailable, the latter due to suspension. Pablo Barrios has been called up and could make his debut, while fringe players like Pau Cubarsi, Bryan Gil, and Bryan Zaragoza are set to feature. Álvaro Morata and Nico Williams are expected to return to the starting lineup, with Samu Omorodion, fresh off a stellar club run, likely to see action.
Predicted Starting XI:
Raya; Mingueza, Vivian, Laporte, Grimaldo; Merino, Ruiz; N. Williams, Olmo, Pino; Morata
Switzerland:
Murat Yakin is also expected to rotate his squad, with Dereck Kutesa, Joel Monteiro, and Andi Zeqiri vying for starts. Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji should anchor the side, but Breel Embolo may drop to the bench to allow other players a chance to impress.
Predicted Starting XI:
Kobel; Fernandes, Comert, Akanji, Rodriguez; Xhaka, Freuler; Monteiro, Amdouni, Kutesa; Zeqiri
Match Prediction
While Spain may rest key players, their depth and form should prove too much for an underperforming Switzerland. Expect a comfortable victory for La Roja as they close out the group stage on a positive note.
Prediction: Spain 3-0 Switzerland
