Spain vs Czech Republic Match Preview & Predictions

Spain vs Czech Republic predictions and match preview for Sunday’s UEFA Nations League fixture. Read on for analysis as La Roja target top spot in this group in their final game of the season.

This busy period of Nations League fixtures concludes for Spain on Sunday in Malaga. It’s perhaps fitting that we end up on the Costa del Sol with players more than ready to hit the beach now after a long season which has concluded with a hectic international schedule which has come in for plenty of criticism.

Even Spain boss Luis Enrique has hinted at these games not exactly being top of the priority list and he certainly hasn’t shied away from rotating his team to ensure everybody gets a go and players don’t suffer any further burnout. 5 points from 3 games represents a solid return and their chances of progress to the Finals of the Nations League look greater after an important 1-0 win in Switzerland on Thursday night.

Pablo Sarabia’s early goal was enough for the three points, following on from draws in their opening two games. Spain still trail Portugal by two points at the top of this group and it is already looking like it will be between the Iberian neighbours for top spot and a chance to go on and win the competition outright. That matter will be decided in September but Luis Enrique will also be conscious that his team will only have two more games before the World Cup after this with chances running out for fringe players to make an impression.

The Czech Republic showed only last weekend that they can give Spain a real run for their money. Indeed the Czechs twice led their meeting in Prague with goals from Gavi and Inigo Martinez pegging the visitors back at the end of each half. Spain did only let their opponents have 3 shots in that whole game though and will be expected to control proceedings here.

Jaroslav Silhavy’s side are only a point behind the Spanish in this group having won their opening game against Switzerland. However they slid to a 2-0 defeat in Portugal last time out to drop to 3rd in this group. They have taken quite a different approach to some teams during this international window by naming relatively consistent starting elevens and it’ll be interesting to see if that continues here with this their 4th game in 10 days.

PREDICTION: Spain 3-0 Czech Republic

You wonder if the Czech Republic may pay the price for not rotating as much during this busy period as their opponents have done. Malaga in June against a Spain side that will dominate the possession count is not an easy task for even the freshest of sides and it feels like Spain, who will use their squad depth again, may be too strong and could secure their most convincing victory of this Nations League campaign to date.