Prediction: Spain win
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Now that we have the full line-up of 24 countries that will take part in next year s UEFA Euro 2021 tournament, it s time to turn our attention back to the UEFA Nations League. This competition, that is still in its infancy, proved last night why it can serve as such a valuable tool for teams that are looking for an alternate route into a major international tournament. Today, we re going to take a look at what should be an exciting UNL clash between two nations that won their Euro 2021 qualifying group Switzerland and Spain.
Switzerland
For the last decade or so the Swiss have been known as the what if? country in European football. They always seem to do really well in qualifying, but then when it comes to performing on the big stage, they can t quite reach that next level. Their squad, which you could argue is going through something of a transition period, could see next year s Euros as one of their last big opportunities to make some noise before a fresh crop of stars begin to rise up through the ranks.
Team News
Kobel and Lotomba are both out through injuries with their only other absence of note being Schar who is suspended after his red card against Germany.
Spain
Spain s neighbours Portugal may have been able to lift the European Championship trophy back in 2016, but prior to that, the 2010 World Cup winners had a stranglehold on the tournament that saw them walk away as champions in 2008 and 2012. That win eight years ago marks the last time they have been able to lift a major international trophy, and now, it seems clear to see that they re shaping up for another period of success.
Team News
The expectation is that de Gea will return in goal for Spain but elsewhere, they have a handful of injury concerns as Gaya, Fati and Navas are all set to miss out.
Factors to Consider
Spain are in 1st place in League A Group 4 with seven points, whereas Switzerland are in fourth place with two points.
Switzerland have drawn two and lost four of their last six games.
Spain have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
Switzerland have scored seven goals and conceded 11 in their last six games.
Spain have scored seven goals and conceded three in their last six games.
Conclusion
While both of these nations are capable of switching it on in the form of a strong attacking display, we tend to believe that it s going to be the defensive strength of the Spaniards that will take them through to victory. The Swiss have been in woeful form across the last few months and while we do believe they ll be able to pick up the slack in the months leading up to the Euros next year, we can t picture a scenario in which they stop Spain from maintaining their grip on top spot.
Prediction: Spain win
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