A place in the Nations League final is at stake in Stuttgart on Thursday, when Spain take on France in what is a repeat of the Euro 2024 semi-final.
Spain and France are two of the three teams who have won the UEFA Nations League since its inaugural season in 2019 and now face off in the semi-finals of this year’s competition.
Two of international football’s biggest sides are set to face off in what should be an intriguing affair between two teams who met as recently as the Euro 2024 semi-final, while Les Bleus also beat Spain in the final of this tournament in 2021. Here are our football betting selections for the fixture, which can be combined to form a 9/1 Bet Builder.
Nations League tips
Pays out at 9/1
High-scoring affair likely
Spain have been in fine form since lifting the Euro 2024 trophy last summer as they have now lost just one of their last 27 games in all competitions as they come into this Nations League semi-final against France.
Their free-flowing attacking nature has led to great success and has continued recently as they have netted 13 goals in their last five matches.
La Roja will also be pleased by the fact that France are dealing with a number of defensive injuries, with the likes of William Saliba, Jules Kounde and Ferland Mendy all absent.
Ten of Spain’s last 12 games in all competitions have gone over 2.5 goals and this looks set to be another one against an exciting French attacking unit.
Leg 1: Over 2.5 goals @ 11/10
Yamal can steal limelight
Lamine Yamal has continued to cement his position as the most exciting player in world football this season.
The 17-year-old scored 18 goals in all competitions for Barcelona while also providing 21 assists.
The youngster was a key part of this Spain team as they lifted the Euro 2024 crown last summer, winning the Young Player of the Tournament award in the process.
A key moment in that run came when Yamal netted in Spain’s 2-1 win over France in the semi-finals and he could be a value selection to get on the scoresheet once again when these two meet.
The winger also scored in the Nations League semi-final win over the Netherlands last time out and could repeat the trick on Thursday.
Leg 2: Lamine Yamal to score at any time @ 11/2
Both teams to play their part
Spain have been impressive in recent years, but they have not always been rock solid at the back.
Both teams have scored in nine of their last 12 matches and they conceded five times across the two legs in the Nations League semi-finals.
They will be without key defender Dani Carvajal while midfield maestro Rodri is not being risked as he recovers from his knee injury.
France’s attacking stars were on full display in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League win on Saturday and they could have a big impact on Thursday.
Leg 3: Both teams to score @ 4/5
