Spain’s success in progressing to UEFA Nations League semifinal is a proper momentum of their revival. Luis Enrique’s men are expected to continue their positive trend in World Cup 2022 qualifiers this week when they are playing host to Greece. La Furia Roja are still in need of working for their consistency but surely is still the favourite in this opening fixtures. Both nations are included in group B with Sweden, Georgia and Kosovo.
Both teams’ latest news
Spain’s national pool has been deep and full of potentials. Some debutantes have been named in the current squad such as Pedri of Barcelona, Pedro Porro of Sporting Lisbon, Eibar man Bryan Gil plus Brighton goalie Robert Sanchez. Luis Enrique opted to leave out some well-known names such as Adama Traore, Mikel Merino, Kepa Arrizabalaga due to their degrading form or lack of playing minutes while Sergi Roberto and Ansu Fati are still injured.
Their counterpart, Greece under the Dutchman John Van Schip decided to call up two names who could make their debut this week or next week. They are VfB Stuttgart’s men Dinos Mavropanos and the youngster Tasos Douvikas.
Possible tactic
The former Barcelona boss, Luis Enrique is likely to stick to his favourite 4-3-3 formation with Villareal’s Gerrard Moreno, Mikel Oyarzabal and possibly Juventus man Alvaro Morata up front while in the midfield, Rodri, Thiago and Fabian Ruiz or even Pedri could operate the area. Some names who could be brought on to break the deadlock such as Marcos Llorente and Dani Olmo.
Meanwhile, John van Schip might still be in favour of 4-2-3-1 with VVV Venlo man Giorgos Giakoumakis as the target supported by the senior Kostas Fourtonis and Zeca plus FC Koln winger, Dimitros Limneos, in the midfield area.
Players to watch
The most prolific strikers LA Furia Roja this season are Villareal’s Gerrardo Morena who is currently one of the top scorers in La Liga and has bagged 16 goals plus seven assists so far this season, and Real Sociedad attacking winger, Mikel Oyarzabal registering 10 goals and 7 assists. Another key man to watch here is Manchester City Rodri,
Greece seems to be counting on collective football since they have very few star players in the squad. The anchorman Kostas Fourtonis perhaps is the only vital and experienced name in the team. He has notched up nine goals in 51 appearances. Another possible key man in Greece is FC Copenhagen man Zeca.
Spain vs Greece Prediction
Spain should have no difficulty in this qualifying opener to seal three points here. Greece today is no match to Thiago Alcantara and Co. However, John van Schip’s men have been pretty impressive in the last Nations League. Yet, they have not faced off any high profile teams lately. Thus, a win for the home side is more likely.
Betting odds
Spain is certainly the clear favorite. Their win market is at 3/16. The draw result is at the value of 37/5, whereas Greece is only backed to win at 23/1.
