Serbia go head-to-head against Spain on Thursday. Read our Predictions and Betting Tips with Match Preview, Head-to-head stats (h2h) and Team Form Analysis.
Our prediction for this Nations League match:
Spain will be looking to kickstart their UEFA Nations League campaign in style when they take on Serbia at Stadion Rajko Mitic on Thursday. La Roja did well to win the European Championship finals, but they have big ambitions for the Nations League as well. Both Alvaro Morata and Rodri are banned for the match, while Sevilla right-back Jesus Navas has retired from the national team.
A man to keep an eye on in the away team will be Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, who is likely to prove a handful for the opposition back-line. The Serbs, on the other hand, failed to record a win at the EURO 2024. As all Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Dusan Vlahovic, and Aleksandar Mitrovic are out of contention, away win should be considered. Fenerbahce ace Dusan Tadic has announced his retirement from the Serbia national football team. Milan striker Luka Jovic is widely expected to lead the line for the hosts.
How the bookies view it: Spaniards to prevail
Spain have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 8/13 by PHMACAO to claim the win. Serbia are considered outsiders, with a home win valued at 4/1 while PHMACAO is also offering odds of 5/2 for a draw.
Head to head: No joy for Serbia
Spain have never lost to Serbia, claiming one win and two draws from three previous matches. The last meeting was a friendly in 2012 which ended 2-0 in favour of the Spaniards.
Players to watch: Exciting Spanish attack
Spain were arguably the most exciting team at the Euros, with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo all impressing. All three men are likely to feature on Thursday and can help the Spaniards produce over 1.5 goals at 5/6 with 49JILI.
Serbia also have some attacking quality of their own and will look to Luka Jovic to provide the spark. With support from Petar Ratkov and Veljko Brmancevic, they can produce over 0.5 goals at 4/6 with PHMACAO.
Probable line-ups
It is a much changed squad for the Serbians, with the likes of Dusan Vlahovic. Aleksandar Mitrovic and Filip Kostic not invited. Jovic is likely to lead the line while Saša Lukic should feature in midfield.
Spain are without captain Alvaro Morata, Mikel Merino and Unai Simon, who are all ruled out of Thursday’s clash. Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte should feature in defence while Yamal and William are set to start in attack.
Serbia: Rajkovic, Terzic, Pavlovic, Milenkovic, Nedelkovic, Ilic, Lukic, Mitrovic, Brmancevic, Samardzic, Jovic
Spain: Raya, Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Ruiz, Yamal, Olmo, Williams Oyarzabal
Serbia vs Spain Prediction
La Roja won the previous edition of this tournament in Netherlands by defeating Croatia on penalties. Their title defense begins with a trip to Belgrade to face Serbia.
Moving on, they are heading into this match with an impelling force after defeating England 2-1 to win the Euro 2024. Extending their winning streak to nine matches across all competitions.
In contrast, Serbia had a disappointing Euro campaign with only two points in the group stage. They are winless in their last three matches and are striving for a breakthrough in this encounter.
Serbia has not defeated Spain in a competitive match, with Spain cruising to a 2-0 victory in their previous meeting.
Spain will be missing crucial players in this encounter with Rodri suspended and captain Alvaro Morata out due to injury.