Spain play their first match since winning Euro 2024 this week. Our Serbia vs Spain prediction considers whether they’ll be able to make a winning start to what is also the defence of their UEFA Nations League crown.
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Serbia vs Spain prediction: Visitors to triumph with Olmo on target
Key stats
- Our Serbia vs Spain betting tips take into account that La Roja have won eight of their last nine matches inside 90 minutes.
- It’s just two wins in nine internationals overall for Serbia.
- Spain have only failed to score in one of their 17 matches since beating Croatia in the Nations League final in 2023.
Correct score prediction: Serbia 0-2 Spain
Spain were the outstanding team and worthy winners of Euro 2024. They take real momentum into this Nations League campaign as a result and with most of their attacking stars on show, they should have enough to win the game. That's especially true given Serbia are missing their two best strikers.
Pre-game odds and win probability: La Roja the clear favourites
- HOME: 17/4 (5.25) – 19.0%
- DRAW: 29/10 (3.90) – 25.6%
- AWAY: 8/13 (1.62) – 61.9%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The visitors are the favourites according to the Serbia vs Spain odds with an implied probability of 61.9% that they win the game.
Spain’s last match was of course the final of Euro 2024 when goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal defeated England 2-1 in Berlin.
Meanwhile, Serbia haven’t played since crashing out of the Euros at the group stage with a goalless draw against Denmark.
For more picks, today’s free betting tips take a look at some of the best options from the action across Europe this week.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting in 12 years
Our Serbia vs Spain prediction suggests the Iberians can triumph 2-0, which was the score the last time the sides met in a 2012 friendly. The last competitive meetings came in 2006 World Cup qualifying and both ended level.
Serbia preview: Mitrovic and Vlahovic both out
The hosts are missing two of their biggest goal threats with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic both pulling out of the squad. Bologna’s Mihajlo Ilic could make his debut.
Predicted Lineup: Rajkovic (GK), Pavlovic, Milenkovic, Veljkovic, Zivkovic, Lukic, Ilic, Maksimovic, Birmancevic, Samardzic & Jovic
UEFA Nations League A 05/09/24 D Spain 0 Serbia 0 Euro 2024 25/06/24 D Denmark 0 Serbia 0 Euro 2024 20/06/24 D Slovenia 1 Serbia 1 Euro 2024 16/06/24 L England 1 Serbia 0 International Match 08/06/24 W Sweden 0 Serbia 3
Spain preview: Raya to get his chance
With Unai Simon injured, David Raya should get a run of games in goal. Alvaro Morata is another notable injury absentee.
Predicted Lineup: Raya (GK), Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Williams, Olmo, Yamal & Oyarzabal
UEFA Nations League A 05/09/24 D Serbia 0 Spain 0 Euro 2024 14/07/24 W England 1 Spain 2 Euro 2024 09/07/24 W France 1 Spain 2 Euro 2024 05/07/24 W Germany 1 Spain 2 Euro 2024 30/06/24 W Georgia 1 Spain 4 
Player to watch – Dani Olmo
Attacking midfielder Dani Olmo was a key figure for Spain at Euro 2024 where he registered three goals and two assists, despite only starting three times. He has since made a successful start to life at Barcelona following a summer move from RB Leipzig.
Olmo firing in loads of shots
Since rejoining Barca, Olmo has averaged 4.5 shots per game in La Liga. He also averaged 2.8 shots per game with Spain at Euro 2024, leaving as the joint golden boot winner.
