UEFA Nations League action kick-offs on Thursday night with an exciting clash between European heavyweights Germany and Spain.
The Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart plays host to one of the biggest matches of the international break in Germany and Spain for the opening round of the UEFA Nations League.
Both teams are in Group A4 alongside Switzerland and Ukraine for the second edition of the tournament, and keen to embark on a winning start.
It may be their first game in 10 months, but these European giants know only three points will be good enough. So just who will come out on top in this mouth-watering clash?
Germany Form & Team News
Joachim #Löw has selected his squad for our upcoming #NationsLeague fixtures against Spain and Switzerland 📋🇩🇪#DieMannschaft #GERESP #SUIGER pic.twitter.com/7dInQJpc8V
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) August 25, 2020
Die Mannschaft haven’t played since beating Northern Ireland 6-1 in November 2019 during a Euro 2020 qualifier, extending their run to eight wins in 12 matches in the process.
But while it’s been nearly a year since they tasted any action, Germany will feel bullish over their prospects thanks to their youthful competitive squad; which boasts Timo Werner, Leroy Sane, and Kai Havertz.
Joachim Low, the coach who led the Germans to the 2014 World Cup glory, has also added veterans such as Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gundogan, and Antonio Rudiger to give his team a nice blend of youth and experience.
Although he has left out players who competed in the latter stages of the Champions League and Europa League. This explains why stars like Manuel Neuer and Serge Gnabry weren’t called up.
Spain Form & Team News
⬇️¡GUARDA ESTAS FOTOS!⬇️
📝 Estas son las convocatorias en categoría absoluta y Sub-21 para los próximos partidos internacionales.
¡¡VOLVEMOS!!💪🏻#SomosEspaña #SomosFederación pic.twitter.com/60I3KpleKO
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) August 20, 2020
Spain were on an 11-match unbeaten run upon defeating Romania 5-0 in a Euro 2020 qualifier in November 2019 and, like Germany, haven’t played another game since then.
Luis Enrique, who hasn’t overseen a single match since replacing Robert Moreno as head coach, has named a fairly young squad for his long-awaited return to the dugout. Youngsters like Ansu Fati and Fernan Torres, for example, have won a first call-up.
While stars such as Jordi Alba, Isco, Saul Niguez, Diego Costa, and Alvaro Morata failed to the nod.
Although the former Barcelona boss has included experienced stars such as the indispensable Sergio Ramos, Sergio Busquets, Dani Carvajal, and David de Gea.
But Adama Traore unfortunately won’t be available to make his debut after testing positive for coronavirus. While Mikel Oyarzabal, who also tested positive for the virus, withdrew altogether.
Match Facts
Head-To-Head Record
| Home | Score | Away | Type | Date |
| Germany | 1-1 | Spain | Friendly | 23/03/2018 |
| Spain | 0-1 | Germany | Friendly | 18/11/2014 |
| Germany | 0-1 | Spain | World Cup | 07/07/2010 |
| Germany | 0-1 | Spain | Euro 2008 | 29/06/2008 |
| Spain | 3-1 | Germany | Friendly | 12/02/2003 |
Betting Prediction
Picking a winner is a tough call, but home advantage may give Germany a slight edge. The lethal combination of Timo Werner and Leroy Sane could be decisive. Thus, Bet365 has priced the hosts at 2.37 for victory. A draw is available at 3.40, and a Spain win at 2.90.
While both teams have played out low-goal encounters in the past, they’re both now rejuvenated with some young exciting talent. This could lead to a more open affair as these youngsters stake a claim for a spot in next summer’s European championship. Therefore, over 2.5 goals in Stuttgart could be a viable bet; which Bet365 price at 1.90.
* All odds correct at the time of writing and susceptible to change.
Anytime Goalscorer – Timo Werner
The new Chelsea striker recently ended the best season of his career to date, scoring 34 goals in 45 games for RB Leipzig in all competition.
Werner, who took under four minutes to score in his first appearance for Chelsea last week, will look to continue his fine form against Spain for what may be his most important campaign yet.
Bet365 has priced Werner at 2.37 to score at anytime and 5.50 to break the deadlock.
* All odds correct at the time of writing and susceptible to change.
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