Following an impressive start under new boss Luis Enrique, Spain looks to have veered off course with two successive defeats in the UEFA Nations League – both 3-2, at home to England and away to Croatia. On Sunday they have a chance to rediscover some form and confidence against a Bosnia side that has looked more than impressive of late – the side is on a nine-match unbeaten run, stretching all the way back to March.
- Spain has won all three of the most recent meetings between these two teams.
- No match between Spain and Bosnia has ever ended in a draw.
- In six of the past seven games between the pair, both teams have scored.
Spain desperately needs a win after two major setbacks
While the Spaniards go in search of that elusive victory, they could well have their work cut out for them against a talented and dangerous Bosnia side. Bosnia remains undefeated in the UEFA Nations League, winning three and drawing another, and has kept four clean sheets in a row across all competitions.
Spain, meanwhile, has been on a downward spiral in the UEFA Nations League after an excellent start. They won their Sportsbook two matches, including a 6-0 thrashing of Croatia, before losing their last two, and are now awaiting the outcome of England vs Croatia to see where they will finish in the group.
Nevertheless, Spain comes into this friendly as the red-hot favorite to pick up that much-needed victory. You can back the home side to claim bragging rights at just -600 while Bosnia, despite its excellent recent form, is all the way out at +1400 to do the same. A draw is priced in the middle at +600.
Spanish class to show through
While Bosnia’s unbeaten run stretches to nine games across eight months, as well as four clean sheets in a row, the truth is that they have not met any teams of the caliber of this Spain outfit. The technical quality of this Spanish side is simply enormous, and we are expecting that to pay dividends on Sunday. It is of course never easy trying to predict the exact scoreline in any given match – particularly in a friendly encounter, when wholesale changes can be made – but a comfortable 3-1 win for Spain is priced competitively at +1000.
That in turn means you could back OVER 2.5 goals in the game, which is priced short at just -200, and both teams to score, which comes in at +125. Therefore, in an attempt to increase any potential winnings from this contest, it is worth considering combo betting, which allows you to select multiple outcomes at higher odds.
For example, a Spain win coupled with both teams to score is at the higher price of +187, while a home victory and OVER 3.5 goals in the game is at +137. You can also back OVER 2.5 goals in the game and both teams to score, which comes in at +160.
Could Spain make a fast start?
In their last friendly game – a 4-1 win away to Wales last month – Spain took the lead after only eight minutes, exerting their dominance and coasting to victory. It is a ploy we expect Luis Enrique to try to put to good use here, and you can back OVER 0.5 goals in the first 10 minutes at +275, while Spain is only slightly higher – at a price of +375 – to be ahead by the end of that time period.
In short, we are expecting Spain to dominate proceedings from the off and you can back the home side to win to nil (without Bosnia scoring a goal) at just -110. That price drops to -150 for the Spanish to score in both halves, while they are at +110 to actually go out and win both halves.
Bosnia may well put up some resistance, but Spain’s class should ultimately shine through on Sunday. Following two disappointing defeats in the UEFA Nations League, a victory and an impressive performance here could be the perfect tonic for Luis Enrique and his players.
