Spain take on Switzerland this Saturday in matchday five of the Nations League campaign.
Switzerland Host Spain in Nations League
Spain Aim to complete the Double Over Switzerland
Coach Luis Enrique will be looking to collect maximum points from their trip to the St. Jakob-Park Stadium in Basel.
Spain beat the Swiss by a slender 1-0 scoreline thanks to a solitary goal by Real Sociedad attacker, Mikel Oyarzabal. That game took place behind close doors at Real Madrid’s Alfredo di Stefano Stadium.
Surprise for Spain
Until a shock 1-0 defeat by Ukraine in Kyiv, Spain were on a formidable streak – unbeaten in two years and top of their League A Group 4 Nations League group with seven points in their favour.
Last time out, La Roja took on the Netherlands at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. The match was a well contested 1-1 draw courtesy of a first goal in Spanish colours for Real Betis attacker Sergio Canales, while Donny van de Beek scored for the hosts
In that game, Spain’s Captain Sergio Ramos equalled the record for international caps with Gianluigi Buffon on 176 appearances. He is the countries leading goal scorer in their Nations League group campaign with two goals to date.
Spain have a fully fit squad to choose from for this upcoming tie. Competition for places are hotter than ever to make a breakthrough into their talented starting 11.
Focus on Switzerland
In terms of their opposition, Switzerland come into the contest on the back of a 2-1 away defeat against Belgium. The Swiss drew 3-3 against Germany in their last group match and currently are bottom with two points to their name.
Manager Vladimir Petković knows the Nations League very well. Also, he guided his nation to third place in the tournament finals last summer, losing to England 6-5 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes. He has been in charge for six years and will be aiming to give La Roja another serious test.
Switzerland’s main threats could come in the shape of Arsenal midfielder and national captain, Granit Xhaka, and similarly Benfica striker Haris Seferović.
Meanwhile Dinamo Zagreb forward Mario Gavranović could also pose a danger to the Spanish backline. Gavranović has 25 caps for his country with ten goals to his name.
It is a crucial game for both nations as the teams make it past the halfway stage of the group stage. So will the Spaniards do the double or will the Swiss roll their opponent over.
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