Watch here: https://flysporthd.com/live-sport/spain-vs-switzerland-202411181930
Time & Venue
- Time: 19:45 GMT, November 18
- Venue: Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez
Form
Spain, despite not being at their best, secured a 2-1 victory over Denmark last weekend. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Ayoze Perez helped La Roja earn 13 points from 5 matches, putting them 6 points ahead of second-placed Denmark. Although this final match holds no decisive significance, Spain aims to end their group stage on a high note.
They have scored 10 goals and conceded just 2 in their last 5 matches, winning 4 consecutive games after a draw against Serbia in early September. Spain is the reigning UEFA Nations League champion and also holds the European title after defeating England in the EURO 2024 final.
Under manager Luis de la Fuente, Spain has not lost a competitive match since March 2023. With this game not affecting the group standings, several players may be given the opportunity to showcase their skills.
Switzerland has struggled throughout the campaign. They lost three consecutive matches to Denmark, Spain, and Serbia before drawing twice with Denmark (2-2) and Serbia (1-1). Relegation to League B has been confirmed, and Murat Yakin’s side hasn’t won since their Round of 16 victory over Italy at EURO 2024.
The head-to-head record also doesn’t favor Switzerland, with only two wins against Spain, including a famous victory at the 2010 World Cup and a match in the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League. Spain won the reverse fixture 4-1, highlighting the gap between the teams this season.
Team News
Spain
Spain has allowed Martin Zubimendi, Alex Baena, and Mikel Oyarzabal to leave the squad for this match, although Oyarzabal would have been unavailable due to suspension.
Manager Luis de la Fuente has called up Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios, who hopes to make his national team debut. Pau Cubarsi, Bryan Gil, and Bryan Zaragoza, who were excluded from the squad against Denmark, return to the lineup and could feature.
Alvaro Morata is expected to start as the central striker, while Nico Williams is likely to start as well. Forward Samu Omorodion, who has been in great form with 12 goals in 13 games for Porto this season, might be used at some point in the match.
Switzerland
For Switzerland, manager Murat Yakin is expected to make changes to the starting lineup. Players like Dereck Kutesa, Joel Monteiro, and Andi Zeqiri might be given chances.
Although this match is not decisive, Switzerland aims to finish the disappointing campaign with a positive result. Key players like Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji are still expected to play.
Striker Breel Embolo, the team’s top scorer with 15 goals, might start on the bench to allow others the opportunity to prove themselves.
Predicted Lineups
Spain: Unai Simon; Carvajal, Laporte, Martinez, Alba; Merino, Rodri, Fabian; Williams, Morata, Torres.
Switzerland: Sommer; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Xhaka, Zakaria; Vargas, Sow, Steffen; Embolo.
Statistics
- Spain is currently unbeaten in 16 consecutive international matches, winning 14 of them and 11 by a margin of 2 goals or more.
- Switzerland lost 1-4 in the reverse fixture and has earned just 2 points from 5 matches.
Goal & Conceding Rates
Prediction
Spain will not field their strongest lineup in the early hours of tomorrow, but their substitutes are also of high quality. Manager De la Fuente’s side is expected to outclass an out-of-form Switzerland.
Score Prediction (by Sportsmole): Spain 2-0 Switzerland