Spain vs France betting tips and predictions: Nations League holders to progress in goal fest?

Spain state of play

It’s now 18 games and counting since Nations League holders and European champions Spain were last beaten. 

La Roja, who got the better of Croatia in the 2023 Nations League final, sealed their place in this year's semis after a dramatic quarter-final tie against the Netherlands was settled by a shootout back in March. 

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Spain emerged victorious from their most recent meeting with France when they bagged a 2-1 win in the Euro 2024 semi-finals before going on to beat England in the final. 

France state of play

A penalty shootout was also key to France's progression in this edition of the Nations League as they squeezed past Croatia in the previous round. 

Les Bleus crashed to a shock 2-0 defeat in the first leg before second-half goals from Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele levelled the scores in the reverse fixture. 

France beat Spain to bag the Nations League trophy in 2021, but their form has been patchy over the last year, with three defeats in nine games. 

Key talking point: Will Champions League final and defensive injuries swing the game in Spain's favour?

Seven members of the France squad were involved in last Saturday's Champions League final - and Didier Deschamps is already without key defensive duo Jules Kounde and William Saliba. 

Bradley Barcola, Balon d'Or favourite Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Lucas Hernandez, Benjamin Pavard, Marcus Thuram and Warren Zaire-Emery featured to varying degrees in PSG's demolition of Inter Milan and the majority are unlikely to start against Spain. 

La Roja are missing a couple of wise heads, but coach Luis de la Fuente has brought through an exciting generation of talent that has title-winning experience on their side and no fear. 

The reigning Nations League champions look a more balanced side than their French rivals and teenage talent Lamine Yamal should relish the opportunity to run at Deschamps' makeshift defence. 

FIRST’s top tip for Spain vs France

Spain to win - 7/5 (Betway)

France look vulnerable at the back and Spain's long unbeaten streak, coupled with their 2-1 victory in last year's European Championship semi-final, means they should head into the contest with the psychological edge and expecting to progress to Sunday's final. 

Extra tips

Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals - 6/4 (Betway)

Goals should be on the agenda thanks to the sheer array of attacking talent in both teams. The selection landed in the last two meetings between the countries, Spain's last four matches, as well as five of the previous six Nations League semi-finals. 

Team news

Spain boss De la Fuente has been unable to name right-back Dani Carvajal and midfielder Rodri in his Nations League squad. 

France are missing midfielder Eduardo Camavinga plus defenders Ferland Mendy, Kounde and Saliba. Lucas Hernandez may be the only member of France's Champions League contingent to feature from the off. 

Spain vs France predicted line-ups

Spain: Unai Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Huijsen, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Morata (4-2-3-1)

France: Maignan; Gusto, Konate, Lucas Hernandez, Digne; Tchouameni, Kone, Rabiot; Olise, Mbappe, Kolo Muani (4-3-3)

Form guide (all competitions)

Spain: WWDWWWWWDD

France: DLLWWWDWLW

Odds correct at the time of writing.