Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker:
Getting their Nations League adventure underway on Thursday night, European champions Spain will travel over to Belgrade when they meet Serbia.
Serbia
Starting with the hosts, although Serbia might have opened up this summer’s European Championships with the mood in their camp at a real high, the Eagles endured real frustration over in Germany. Getting their summer adventure underway with a close-fought 1-0 loss at the hands of eventual finalists England, Dragon Stojkovic’s men failed to muster a single victory from any of their three Group C appearances. Eventually finishing rock-bottom of the standings and coming under a huge amount of scrutiny, Serbia should be bracing themselves for a heavyweight challenge when they get their Nations League adventure underway here. Hit with a 2-0 defeat when they met Spain back in May 2012 for their only historic meeting, Stojkovic’s side are pencilled in as a real underdog contender on Thursday night.
Team News
In what was a real shock announcement last weekend, Serbia have opted to leave the likes of Susan Tadic and attacking talisman Dusan Vlahovic out of their squad this month. The trio of Kosta Nedeljkovic, Jan-Carlo Simic and Kristijan Belic have all received maiden call-ups.
Making the move to Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest this summer, Nikola Milenkovic will start at the heart of Serbia’s defence here. Despite dealing with a recent knock, AC Milan striker Luka Jovic has been included in Stojkovic’s squad and should spearhead the Eagles’ attack.
Spain
As for the visitors, embarking on what was a summer fairytale over in Germany, Spain have only continued to receive a string of plaudits from across the globe. Storming their way to a fourth European crown thanks to a deserved 2-1 victory against England on July 14th, Luis de la Fuente’s men will be relishing their return on Thursday night. Picking up a string of heavyweight scalps over the summer and remarkably winning all of their seven EURO 24 appearances, many are now billing La Roja as the best international squad on the planet. With their long blossoming squad gaining a reputation for their free-flowing performances, Spain have not suffered a single competitive defeat across any competition since back in March 2023. Looking to lay down an early marker when they travel to Belgrade on Thursday night, de la Fuente’s side are rightfully pencilled in as a standout contender on foreign soil.
Team News
With de la Fuente electing to name a similar squad to their EURO 24 success over the summer, the likes of 17-year-old sensational Lamine Yamal has been included and will play a leading role on Thursday night. Likewise, completing a blockbuster move to Barcelona this summer, Dani Olmo should feature from the start.
While Pedri might have picked up an injury issue during this summer’s European Championships, the Barca midfielder has been included. Making his move to Premier League giants Arsenal a permanent one this summer, David Raya should start between the sticks here.
Key Factors to Consider
