Serbia v Spain: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Spain make their first appearance since their Euros triumph in Belgrade on Thursday and it could be a goal-filled encounter against Serbia, who need to bounce back from a disappointing summer.

Serbia failed to win any of their group games in Germany, but some of their home matches have been exciting affairs recently and this Nations League opener could follow that pattern..

Serbia v Spain betting tips and predictions

Over 2.5 goals - 19/20

Spain head into their Nations League title defence having lost just one of their last 19 matches - a 1-0 friendly defeat to Colombia - and the Euro 2024 winners should be starting on the front foot against Serbia in Belgrade.

The only match in their last nine that they didn’t win inside 90 minutes was their quarter-final against Germany, where Arsenal new boy Mikel Merino, who is out injured for this one, netted at the end of extra-time.

They are understandably short to keep that run going in Serbia, but there could be some value in backing the clash at the Rajko Mitic Stadium featuring at least three goals, which has happened in seven of Spain’s last 10 games.

It is also remembering that they conceded in each of their Euro 2024 knockout games against Georgia, Germany, France and in the final against England, and while Serbia will be missing the influential Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, they tend to be positive when playing at home.

Their three group stage matches in Germany against England, Slovenia and Denmark generated a total of just three goals, which is in marked contrast to how their home games have been going.

Eight of Serbia’s last 11 matches on their own patch have featured at least four goals and both teams have scored in seven of the last nine, so the price about there being over 2.5 on Thursday looks generous.

Mikel Oyarzabal to score at any time - 2/1

While Serbia are missing Mitrovic, Spain have their own issues up front after captain Alvaro Morata suffered a muscle injury in his debut for AC Milan and was forced to drop out of Luis de la Fuente’s squad.

However, that should provide an opportunity for Mikel Oyarzabal to lead the line and he can make the most of his chance by finding the net in Belgrade.

The Real Sociedad striker did just that in the Euros final, scoring the late winner against England in Berlin and his general lack of opportunities in the big summer tournament should encourage him to make his mark for La Roja.

He is yet to score in three La LIga appearances this season and was sent off after just 29 minutes of last week’s 2-1 home defeat to Alaves.

However, he can recover from that setback in a national shirt and find the net here.

Sasa Lukic to be booked - 11/5

Serbia’s Sasa Lukic could be in for a busy evening in the middle of the park and the Fulham man looks a decent price to find his way into the book.

Lukic has committed six fouls in three Premier League appearances this season and picked up three yellow cards for the Cottagers last term.

Against a team who are the masters of ball retention, he could be doing a lot of chasing around and it would not be a surprise if the 28-year-old picked up another caution.

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Serbia v Spain odds

Serbia - 11/2
Draw - 16/5
Spain - 1/2

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.