Albania vs Spain Prediction: Changed Spain can take top spot in style
Along with Germany, Spain have been the standout team of Euro 2024 so far - disposing of both Croatia and Italy with relative ease to top Group B. Now, Luis de la Fuente will likely rotate his team as they face Albania in Dusseldorf. Below you can find my Albania vs Spain prediction, featuring team news and betting odds.
Team News
Syvinho’s side have to win this one to make it into the last 16 and as a result, he has to name his strongest XI, despite having five players who will miss the first knockout game if booked. Rey Manaj is set to continue up front ahead of Armando Broja.
Meanwhile, Spain are likely to make wholesale changes, with Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Alejandro Grimaldo, Ayoze Pereze, Nacho and David Raya all likely to start. This game means nothing to Spain, so they will want to rest players and rotate to make sure they are fresh for their last 16 clash.
Spain are the clear favourites to win this one, priced at 11/25 to do so, while Albania are the outsiders at 6/1. A draw can be backed at 37/10, BTTS is 34/33 and over 2.5 goals is 79/100.
Spain to win @ 11/25
Despite the raft of expected changes, Spain are the clear favourites here and should get the job done even with their second string. Nacho, David Raya and Ferran Torres are all elite level substitutes, and given that Albania have to get after them in this one, I think Spain will take full advantage.
There will be several players looking to force their way into the starting XI for the round of 16, and Spain are likely to continue the form we have seen so far. Nine points out of nine would be an impressive statement.
Mikel Oyarzabel to score @ 39/20
Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabel hasn’t been given too much gametime so far, but he did come off the bench in both wins, and is now set to be given the central striking role against Albania. He’s a fine goalscorer who can also operate out wide, and he already has a record of 11 goals in 32 games for his country.
He should shine in place of Alvaro Morata, and even if he is forced onto the wing, he will provide a goalscoring threat. I think we are getting great value on him to find the net at any time.
Check out our other Soccer Betting Predictions here.
