Spain vs France

Current Form

The Spanish national team delivered the strongest performance in the League A group stage. Luis de la Fuente’s squad accumulated 16 points from six matches, securing first place in their group with an eight-point cushion over Denmark. Only Serbia managed to deny Spain maximum points in a 0-0 draw. Notably, ‘La Roja’ displayed robust defensive capabilities during the group stage, letting in just four goals.

In the quarterfinals, Spain were matched against the Netherlands. The two-legged encounter proved to be a tight affair with a high number of goals. The first leg in Spain concluded with a 2-2 draw. The return fixture also ended 2-2 in regular time, followed by both teams scoring in extra time before the Spaniards triumphed in the penalty shootout. It is worth mentioning that in that game, ‘La Roja’ took the lead three times, only for the ‘Oranje’ to level the score each time.

Consequently, the Spanish national team has advanced to the Nations League semifinals for the third successive time. In both previous semifinal appearances, they progressed to the final, winning the trophy last season. However, in the 2020/21 final, Spain were defeated by their current opponents, France (1-2). Luis de la Fuente’s side gained revenge for that loss last year in the European Championship semifinals (2-1).

Suspensions and Injuries

Spain’s injury list includes Rodri, Carvajal, Ferran Torres, Ayoze Pérez, and Laporte.

Betting Trends to Consider

• Spain has secured victory in two of the last three head-to-head meetings.
• Both teams have found the net in Spain’s last four matches.
• Spain remains undefeated in regular time across their last 11 Nations League fixtures.
• At least three goals have been scored in five of Spain’s last Nations League matches.
• Spain has registered more shots on target than their opponents in eight of their previous nine games.

Predicted lineup: Simon – Mingueza, Le Normand, Cubarsí, Cucurella – Zubimendi, Ruiz, Pedri – Yamal, Oyarzabal, N. Williams.

Current Form

In their group stage quartet, the French national team secured first place, finishing ahead of Italy solely on tie-breaking criteria. Les Bleus’ only defeat occurred in the opening fixture at home against Italy (1-3). There was also an unexpected draw in their home encounter with Israel (0-0). Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that in the crucial final matchday, the French earned a decisive revenge win against Italy away with a 3-1 scoreline.

In the quarterfinals, France faced Croatia and were considered strong favorites, but the tie proved to be very challenging. Didier Deschamps’ squad suffered a 0-2 loss away from home. In the return leg in Paris, goals from Olise and Dembélé in the second half secured a victory for the team. There were no goals in extra time; Les Bleus only booked their place in the semifinals through a penalty shootout.

The French national team reached the Nations League semifinals in the 2020/21 season. They successfully navigated that stage and defeated their current opponents, Spain, 2-1 in the final match.

Suspensions and Injuries

France will be without three crucial defenders due to injuries: William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, and Jules Koundé. Additionally, defensive midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and forward Kingsley Coman will be unavailable for the team.

Betting Trends to Consider

• Three of France’s last five matches have been tied at halftime.
• Both teams have not scored in three of France’s last five fixtures.
• France is undefeated in regular time in six of their last seven Nations League games.
• At least two goals have been netted in nine of France’s last ten Nations League matches.
• In three of their previous four matches, France recorded an equal number of offsides as their opposition.

Predicted lineup: Maignan – Pavard, Konaté, L. Hernández, Digne – Guendouzi, Tchouaméni, Koné – Doué, Dembélé, Mbappé.