Best Odds: 17/10
Bookmaker:
In a real showdown between two European giants on Thursday night, Spain will welcome Portugal to the Estadio Benito Villamarin for their opening Nations League contest.
Spain
Starting with the hosts, after watching France lift the inaugural Nations League title back in October following a 2-1 defeat at the San Siro, Spain have managed to bounce back since then. Eventually cruising top spot in Group B after their World Cup qualifying run, Head Coach Luis Enrique finds his side marking their return to action in the midst of a four-match winning run. Last seen back in March when claiming back-to-back 5-0 and 2-1 victories against Iceland and Albania, the European giants have also won seven of their last eight matchups across all formats. Looking to go one step further on their Nations League adventure this season, it should also be highlighted that the one-time Barcelona boss has seen his side only continue to shine on home soil. On a run that stems all the way back to a 3-2 defeat against England, Spain are unbeaten in front of their own supporters since October 2018.
Team News
In what was a shock announcement, Barcelona starlet Ansu Fati has been included in Enrique s 25-man squad for June s Nations League fixtures following an injury-hit campaign.
After featuring in Real Madrid s Champions League victory against Liverpool last weekend, Dani Carvajal could be given a rest here. Chelsea s Cesar Azpilicueta should start at right-back.
Portugal
As for the visitors, eventually managing to book their ticket for this year s World Cup finals, Portugal will simply be hoping to find some momentum over the coming months. Securing what was a crucial 2-0 victory against North Macedonia in their promotion final, Head Coach Fernando Santos does still find some pressure on his shoulders. However, while last year s shocking 2-1 defeat against Serbia might have almost cost them their spot at another major tournament, that is the only defeat that the Navigators have suffered from their last nine outings. Likewise, while Portugal might have failed to book their spot in the semi-final of the inaugural Nations League tournament, Santos s side did impress many. Losing just one of their six Group A contests and falling just three points adrift of eventual winners France, the former European champions will be desperate to cause an upset here. With a stacked squad that includes a host of Premier League superstars, the Navigators might be smelling a chance.
Team News
The Manchester United trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot have all been included in Portugal s squad.
Claiming Serie A s Player of the Season award last week, AC Milan s attacking talisman Rafael Leao should join Ronaldo in attack.
Key Factors to Consider
