Slovakia will attempt to become the latest nation to take points off Spain when the pair wrap up their Group E commitments at Euro 2020 on Wednesday.
After picking up three points from their first two outings, Slovakia head to Seville sitting second and one point clear of Spain.
A draw will guarantee Slovakia a place in the last-16 but even defeat may be enough to send them through as one of the best third-placed teams.
Spain could also progress with a draw if Poland fail to beat Sweden in the other Group E engagement taking place at 17:00, while a win will see them leapfrog Slovakia to claim second spot.
Slovakia can be backed at 13/1 to pick up a win over Spain, who are priced at 2/9, while the draw is available at 23/4.
Slovakia to Cause Further Frustration
Spain were fancied as potential contenders to go all the way just a few weeks prior to the Euros, having lost just once in 24 outings.
However, Luis Enrique’s preparations were majorly disrupted by a Covid-19 outbreak within the camp, subsequently losing Barcelona ace Sergio Busquets for their opening two matches.
Enrique feared more of his squad could be ruled out and set up a parallel training squad of under-23 players as a precaution.
Fotografía oficial de la @SeFutbol con la primera equipación @adidas_ES para la #EURO2020.#SomosEspaña pic.twitter.com/eMdEUkA3Qw
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) June 22, 2021
He didn’t need to turn to those youngsters and Busquets is set to return against Slovakia but the squad appear to have been impacted by the disturbance to their plans.
They have draw each of their two matches at the competition, despite playing both fixtures on home soil in Seville and have scored just once in the process.
La Roja have lacked creativity and found it difficult to break down both Sweden and Poland, and it’s likely that Slovakia will employ a similar blueprint of sitting deep to frustrate.
Backing Slovakia in the double chance market – Slovakia or Tie – at 18/5 offers interest.
Temperature Could Lead to Tight Contest
It’s set to be another scorching day in Seville when Slovakia and Spain step out at the Estadio de La Cartuja.
With the temperature set to be in the mid-30s, it’s unlikely that this fixture will be played at any kind of high tempo.
Each of Spain’s two previous outings have followed the same trend – Enrique’s men have dominated possession but found it difficult to force their way through.
Slovakia are expected to sit deep and remain disciplined in the hope of restricting any space to their opponents.
All things considered, this clash appears to have all the makings of an extremely tight contest and 16/5 for under 1.5 goals looks attractive.
*All odds correct at time of writing.