Verdict: Spain U21 win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to punch their European Championship semi-final ticket on Saturday night, Spain will meet Switzerland at the Superbet Arena in Bucharest.

Spain U21

Starting with Spain, while La Rojita might have signed off their group stage adventure with an action-packed 2-2 draw against Ukraine earlier in the week, Santi Denia’s high-flying squad have impressed many this summer. Along with opening their European Championship campaign with a thumping 3-0 romp against Romania on June 21st, the one-time Atletico Madrid coach finds his side tipped as a real contender this month. Mustering just a single defeat from any of their last 18 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to June 2021 – Spain have also continued to gain a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. Along with opening 2023 with a lively 3-2 victory against Saturday’s opponents, Denia’s men will be looking to produce a repeat display this weekend. Yet to taste a single European Championship defeat this summer, La Rojita are rightfully tipped as a standout pick to punch their semi-final ticket.

Team News

Coming off the bench and bagging a last-gasp equaliser against Ukraine a few days ago, Abel Ruiz has notched back-to-back European Championship strikes and will spearhead Spain’s charge here. The Braga striker will come in and replace Rayo Vallecano youngster Sergio Camello.

All settling for a spot on the bench in midweek after being handed a welcomed rest, Denia should hand a full recall to the likes of Antonio Blanco, Rodri and Arnau Tenas.

Switzerland U21

As for Switzerland, while Patrick Rahmen’s men might have somehow clawed their way to the knockout stage this summer, the Reds have shown a string of rather glaring issues. Signing off their group stage adventure with a woeful 4-1 drumming at the hands of France, the Swiss have certainly gained a reputation for their struggles at the back. Along with an action-packed 3-2 defeat against Italy on June 25th, Switzerland have shipped seven strikes in their back-to-back defeats this summer. Likewise, signing off their pre-European Championship preparations with a 3-1 friendly loss at the hands of Germany, Rahmen’s downbeat squad have now lost five of their previous seven appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back over the past nine months. Suffering that 3-2 defeat when they last met Saturday’s opponents back on March 24th, Switzerland will face a huge challenge this weekend.

Team News

Bagging a consolation strike against France earlier in the week and now notching three strikes in his last four appearances for club and country, Basel starlet Dan Ndoye will spearhead Switzerland’s attack on Saturday night. However, both Ndoye and Kastriot Imeri are just one caution away from missing any potential semi-final.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench in midweek, 22-year-old central defender Marco Burch could be handed a full recall here at the expense of Aurele Amenda.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met for a friendly showdown on March 24th, Spain stormed their way to an action-packed 3-2 victory.
• Likewise, La Rojita are unbeaten in each of their last five meetings against Switzerland.
• Spain have lost just one of their previous 18 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to June 2021.
• Including a 4-1 drumming against France in midweek, Switzerland have shipped seven goals in their back-to-back defeats.
• The Swiss have also suffered five defeats in their last seven appearances across all competitions.

Conclusion

Breezing their way to the knockout stage this summer and continuing to gain a host of plaudits, Spain will feel that they have been handed a golden chance on Saturday night. Suffering just a single loss from any of their last 18 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to June 2021 – La Rojita find themselves tipped as a genuine contender this summer. Really enjoying a free-scoring flurry in the final third, Spain will be looking to cash in on a Switzerland squad that have shown some rather glaring issues. Limping their way to the knockout stage despite suffering back-to-back defeats against France and Italy, the Swiss will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge here. Without a win from any of their last five meetings and shipping seven goals in their back-to-back defeats, we are expecting Spain to punch their semi-final ticket.

Verdict: Spain U21 win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Olympusbet