Switzerland vs. Spain: Can Euro Champs Avoid Dropping Points in Second Nations League Clash?

Switzerland vs. Spain: Can Euro Champs Avoid Dropping Points in Second Nations League Clash?

Spain will be looking to secure their first win in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League when they face Switzerland on Sunday, September 8.

After a goalless draw against Serbia, Luis de la Fuente's side is eager to return to winning ways. Switzerland, on the other hand, seeks redemption following a 2-0 defeat to Denmark in their opening match.

Switzerland Seek Redemption After Opening Defeat | Home Win = 5.14

Switzerland started their Nations League campaign with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Denmark. Conceding two late goals and having both Nico Elvedi and Granit Xhaka sent off, Murat Yakin's side found themselves at the bottom of Group 4 in League A.

Switzerland Men National Team

The A-Team will be without their suspended duo, which could pose a significant challenge against a strong Spanish side. Historically, Switzerland has struggled against Spain, winning only two of their 25 encounters since 1925.

However, they did manage a 2-1 victory over La Roja in their last Nations League meeting in September 2022. This previous success might boost their confidence as they aim to secure their first points in the group.

Spain Aim for First Nations League Win | Away Win = 1.74

Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by Serbia in their opener, a result that left them third in the group. Despite dominating possession and creating chances, La Roja couldn't find the breakthrough.

Spain Men National Team

Head coach Luis de la Fuente remained optimistic, describing the match as "almost a pre-season game" and not a cause for concern. As reigning Nations League champions and recent European Championship winners, Spain are keen to assert their dominance.

A victory against Switzerland would not only boost their standings but also set a positive tone ahead of their next fixture against Denmark. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, Spain are favourites to clinch all three points.

Key Players & Team News:

Switzerland will be without the suspended Nico Elvedi and Granit Xhaka. Gregory Wüthrich and Denis Zakaria are expected to step into the starting lineup. Breel Embolo is set to lead the attack, supported by Fabian Rieder and Ruben Vargas. The team's discipline will be under scrutiny after the two red cards against Denmark.

Switzerland vs Spain - UEFA Nations League

Spain may see changes in their lineup, with Pedri and Alejandro Grimaldo likely to start. Marc Cucurella and Ayoze Perez could make way for them. Dani Olmo might be deployed in a false nine role, allowing Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams to continue on the wings. With Unai Simón injured, David Raya is expected to retain his spot between the sticks.

Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 3.84

Spain have won 18 of their 25 matches against Switzerland and are unbeaten in competitive matches since March 2023. | Specials Market: Away & Over 1.5 = 2.14

Switzerland beat Spain by 2 goals to 1 in the last meeting between these two in the UEFA Nations League in 2022. | Specials Market: Over 2.5 & Yes = 2.70

Both teams have scored and conceded in four (4) of their last five (5) games in all competitions. | Main Market: Over 2.5 = 2.16

 

You can follow and bet on the UEFA Nations League match, Switzerland vs Spain, on MSport here.

Portugal vs. Scotland: “GOATiano” Ronaldo Ready to Score More Against Struggling Scots in UNL Game 2

Portugal vs. Scotland: “GOATiano” Ronaldo Ready to Score More Against Struggling Scots in UNL Game 2

Portugal will continue their UEFA Nations League campaign in a game that will see the “GOAT”, Cristiano Ronaldo, try to add to his 900 goals tally when they host Scotland at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on Sunday, September 8.

After an opening victory against Croatia, in which Cristiano Ronaldo netted the 900th goal of his career, Roberto Martinez’s side will be eager to build momentum with another. Meanwhile, Scotland seeks redemption following a heartbreaking loss to Poland.

Portugal Aim for Another Victory at Home | Home Win = 1.23

Portugal began their Nations League journey with a 2-1 victory over Croatia. Cristiano Ronaldo, amidst some criticism, played a key role by scoring his 900th career goal, while Diogo Dalot also found the back of the net at both ends of the pitch.

Portugal Men's National Team Celebrating a Goal

Although Dalot’s own goal late in the game gave Croatia hope, Portugal held on for the win. Head coach, Roberto Martinez, will hope for another strong performance as his side targets a top-two finish in Group A1.

A win against Scotland would put Portugal in a commanding position in the group. With attacking talents like Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Rafael Leao, they have the firepower to overwhelm their opponents, at least on paper.

Scotland Seek to Bounce Back After Opening Game Defeat | Away Win = 14.66

Scotland’s Nations League opener against Poland ended in disappointment. After falling 2-0 behind, second-half goals from Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour brought Scotland level.

However, a stoppage-time penalty gave Poland a 3-2 win, extending Scotland’s poor run of form in 2024. Steve Clarke’s side has only won one of their last 13 matches, and they now face a daunting task in Lisbon.

Scotland Men's National Team Celebrating Celebrating a Goal

Clarke’s team needs a result to avoid further slipping down the group, but given their defensive vulnerabilities and recent struggles, getting points from Portugal will be a tall order, one not in the least bit impossible, especially with the Premier League crop they have in their ranks.

Key Players & Team News:

Portugal will likely field a similar line-up to the one that triumphed over Croatia. Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead the attack, flanked by Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto.

Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva will orchestrate the midfield, while Nelson Semedo and Joao Neves could earn starts after their impactful substitutes’ appearances last time out.

Scotland, without the injured Che Adams, may turn to Lyndon Dykes or Lawrence Shankland to lead the attack. Scott McTominay, who scored in midweek, will continue to play a crucial role in midfield alongside Billy Gilmour.

Portugal vs Scotland - UEFA Nations League

Steve Clarke could also give a chance to youngster Ben Doak, who made his debut against Poland, as Scotland looks for more attacking creativity.

Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 6.60

Portugal has the historical advantage, boasting four wins in six meetings against Scotland. The last time these two sides faced off, Portugal secured a 3-1 win in a friendly back in 2018. | Specials Market: Over 2.5 & Yes GG = 2.80

While Portugal has a solid defensive record, Scotland has conceded 17 goals in their last eight matches, highlighting the visitors’ defensive frailties. | Main Market: Over 3.5 = 2.70

Scotland has beaten Portugal twice (2) in the three (3) official games they have played against the Selecaos with all coming in the UEFA EURO Qualifiers (2-1 in 1971, 4-1 in 1978). | Main Market: GG/NG (Yes) = 2.42

 

You can follow and bet on the UEFA Nations League match, Portugal vs. Scotland, on MSport here.

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