Spain rightful favourites in preparation for Qatar
Spain host Switzerland as heavy favourites in the Nations League on Saturday.
La Roja are top of the group and have continued their fine form and consistent performance levels under Luis Enrique, Spain have come very close to winning the Euros and the last edition of the Nations League in the last few years and will be quietly optimistic about the upcoming World Cup.
The Swiss qualified for the finals of the inaugural Nations League, but they are battling relegation to League B this time around, currently one point below the Czech Republic, and safety, with two games to go.
Background
These fixtures have increased importance with the World Cup on the horizon, the Red Crosses have been consistently on the outside of the elite nations for many, many years now, which is a great achievement in itself, but relegation from League A ahead of the World Cup could deflate their belief a touch.
Spain are not as strong defensively as they once were, Pau Torres is a standout name in the backline but they are not as commanding in their rearguard.
However, they are still able to establish a very firm grip on encounters with such technically gifted midfielders like Rodri, Pedri, Gavi and of course captain Sergio Busquets.
The final third is not wholly convincing either, but the team is greater than the sum of its parts up front, with Ferran Torres and Alvaro Morata more than capable of contributing with regularity.
Switzerland have a very strong starting XI and will be expecting to get out of their group, as they are experts at doing, at the World Cup, this match may be their toughest before the tournament starts.
Goals?
Spain are rightfully strong favourites but Switzerland should be competitive and have some threats on the break.
Spain have scored in all of their last 18.
Spain have conceded in five of ten.
Spain have seen both teams score in five of ten.
Spain have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Switzerland have scored in eight of ten.
Switzerland have conceded in six of ten.
Switzerland have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Switzerland have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Switzerland spring a surprise with a 2-1 win.