2021-22 UEFA Nations League Final – Spain vs France Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Spain vs France taking place? Spain vs France will take place on Sunday 10th October, 2021 at 19:45 (UK)
Where is Spain vs France taking place? Spain vs France will take place at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milano
Where can I get tickets for Spain vs France? Click here for the latest ticket information for Spain vs France
What TV channel is Spain vs France on in the UK? Spain vs France will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream Spain vs France in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Spain vs France live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
SPAIN
- Spain come into the Nations League final on the back of ending European champions Italy’s world record 37-match unbeaten run, beating the Azzurri by two goals to one in the semi-final, thanks to a brace from Man City’s Ferran Torres.
- After such an excellent performance, it would be no surprise if Luis Enrique retains the same starting XI for the final, with 17-year-old Gavi likely to keep his place after a magnificent showing against Italy that made a mockery of his age.
FRANCE
- France looked to be heading out of the Nations League at the semi-final stage after trailing Belgium by two goals to nil at half time, but three goals in the second half completed a wonderful comeback and booked their place in the grand final.
- With no N’Golo Kante in the French squad to due Covid-19, Adrien Rabiot was given the nod in central midfield alongside Paul Pogba against Belgium, but Rabiot could be replaced by Aurelien Tchouameni, who came on as a substitute in the semi-final, whilst left-back Lucas Digne has withdrawn from the squad due to a hamstring injury.
THE TEAM NEWS
SPAIN
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Simon; Azpilicueta, Laporte, P. Torres, Alonso; Gavi, Busquets, Koke; F. Torres, Sarabia, Oyarzabal
UNAVAILABLE: Alba (Injured) Llorente (Injured), Mendez (Injured), Morata (Injured), G. Moreno (Injured), Olmo (Injured), Pedri (Injured), Ramos (Injured), Thiago (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
FRANCE
PREDICTED XI (3-4-1-2): Lloris; Kounde, Varane, L. Hernandez; Pavard, Pogba, Rabiot, T. Hernandez; Griezmann; Mbappe, Benzema
UNAVAILABLE: Coman (Injured), Digne (Injured), Kante (Isolating)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
With a day of extra rest and no additional travel undertaken with the grand final being played at the same ground where they defeated Italy in the semi-final, Spain may hold an edge here over France from a physical perspective and it would be no surprise if they were to grow into this match as it goes on. From an individual perspective however, France boasts a more dangerous frontline on paper and the likes of Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe have the ability to ruthlessly take advantage of any goalscoring opportunity presented to them. The resilience of Les Blues was on show in abundance against Belgium and their fitness levels in that game stand them in good stead for this one, although how much that second half comeback took out of them remains to be seen. With this being a final, a cagey encounter appears likely, so consider backing under 2.5 goals scored over 90 minutes. In terms of an overall winner, the experience of this French team in a major tournament final compared to the players within the Spanish starting XI may just tip the scales in the favour of Didier Deschamps’ men.
