We are set for game two of Group 4 as Switzerland and Spain go head to head. The 2024 European champions are ready to redeem themselves after a disappointing start to their Nations League campaign with a 0–0 draw against Serbia in the first game. Manager De la Fuente is not worried despite the setback, calling it "almost a pre-season game" and stating that they are "not concerned," showing that the Spaniards remain confident. Switzerland, meanwhile, come into this game with heavy shoulders after a tough loss to Denmark. The game seemed to be heading towards a scoreless draw, but the Danes scored twice in the final 10 minutes. To make matters worse, both Granit Xhaka and Nico Elvedi were sent off. Now, in arguably the most important game of the group, Switzerland will be without two of their key starters.
For Switzerland to advance through this group, they certainly can’t afford to lose. With both Xhaka and Elvedi out, their chances are looking bleak. Switzerland got the better of Italy in the Euros round of 16, winning by two goals, but were knocked out by England in the quarterfinals on penalties. Despite the early exit, the Swiss showed they can pull off upsets and hold their own against big teams under Murat Yakin.
Spain are setting their sights on another trophy, hoping to replicate the magic they conjured up during the Euros. However, after the draw against Serbia, doubts have begun to surface. Despite that, both young wingers, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, looked promising and could really shine this time around—especially with Switzerland missing two key players.
It's likely we will see Pedri and Grimaldo starting against Switzerland, and there’s also a chance that Oyarzabal will start in attack instead of Ayoze Pérez. For Switzerland, Gregory Wüthrich and Denis Zakaria are likely to replace Xhaka and Elvedi. Breel Embolo is expected to continue up front.
I think Spain will take this one, as the loss of Xhaka in midfield and Elvedi in defense will be too much for the Swiss to overcome. Expect fireworks from Yamal, as the youngster seems to be improving with every game.
Switzerland: Kobel; Wuthrich, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Freuler, Zakaria, Aebischer; Rieder, Embolo, Vargas
Spain: Raya; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Grimaldo; Pedri, Zubimendi, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, N Williams
