Ace Football previews the UEFA Nations League match between Spain and Germany, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
A showdown between Spain and Germany on Tuesday night will decide who tops Group A4 for the prize of a place in the Nations League finals.
The meeting in Seville is practically the equivalent of a final, with Germany just a point ahead in the standings. A draw, at the very least, will secure the visitors’ passage into the finals. But given Spain’s strong home record, that will be a lot easier said than done.
Both sides played out a 1-1 draw in the corresponding fixture back in September and have been evenly matched in the past, suggesting another close affair could be on the cards in this all-or-nothing clash.
Spain Form & Stats
Dropping points for the second game in a row in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Switzerland cost Spain their lead in Group A4. Only a victory in Seville, therefore, can undo the damage. The question is do they have it in them?
La Roja are now winless in their last three games in all competitions and haven’t been convincing either. Even the ever-reliable Sergio Ramos has struggled and missed two penalties in Switzerland.
Although Luis Enrique backed his skipper once again in a pre-match conference on Monday. The Spain boss also dismissed the idea of prioritizing experience by stating his young players are up for the big game.
Enrique appears to have not settled on his strongest line-up yet. He even dropped David de Gea in favor of debuting Unai Simon in goal for the trip to Basel and refused to rule out doing it again. The most likely change in his line-up, however, will be Rodri replacing the injured Sergio Busquets.
The former Barcelona boss will also need to reflect on his attacking options more carefully. Spain have only scored over one goal in a match once in their last seven fixtures. That could mean trouble if Germany get on the scoresheet.
As Rodri put it, this encounter is basically a life or death final for them.
Key Team Stats
- Conceded the first goal in six of their last nine Nations League games.
- Drawn three of their last five games in all competitions (W1 L1).
- Scored over one goal in just one of their last seven games in all competitions.
Germany Form & Stats
Germany, as previously mentioned, sit top of Group A4 after a convincing 3-1 win over Ukraine enabled them to leapfrog Spain. Now it’s just about holding on for another 90 minutes to book a spot in the finals.
Two wins in their last three Nations League games have put Joachim Low’s side in a favorable position. Despite a sluggish start, they’ve hit top gear at just the right time. The trio of Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, and Timo Werner looked particularly fluid up in attack and will probably start together again.
Although Germany have several players injured, including Joshua Kimmich. Antonio Rudiger, meanwhile, is suspended for the game. But Benjamin Henrichs and Toni Kroos are back in the fold, and Niklas Sule may join them.
The return of these players may help balance out the line-up after struggling to deal with Ukraine’s quick counter-attacks last time out.
Key Team Stats
- Unbeaten in their last 12 games in all competitions (W7 D5).
- Won five of their last six away games in all competitions (D1).
- Timo Werner has scored five goals in his last six Nations League games.
Team News
Spain: Sergio Busquets, Jose Gaya, Ansu Fati, & Jesus Navas (out).
Germany: Robin Gosens, Joshua Kimmich, Jonas Hofmann, Nico Schulz, Marcel Halstenberg, Thilo Kehrer, Ridle Baku, Antonio Rudiger, & Oliver Baumann (out).
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in Recent Games
Head-To-Head Analysis
Spain and Germany have faced each other 23 times previously since May 1935. The visitors hold the edge on nine wins, eight draws, and seven defeats.
Below are the five most recent meetings and some head-to-head stats on the team’s recent form in the Nations League.
| Date | Fixture | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29/05/2008 | Germany vs Spain | 0-1 | Euro 2008 |
| 07/112010 | Germany vs Spain | 0-1 | World Cup |
| 18/11/2014 | Spain vs Germany | 0-1 | Friendly |
| 23/03/2018 | Germany vs Spain | 1-1 | Friendly |
| 03/09/2010 | Germany vs Spain | 1-1 | Nations League |
Match Facts
Betting Tips
More Odds
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