The heated conversation about the overloaded schedules reached Spain. Multiple players talked about the need for player strikes if football institutes fail to address their demands.
Rodri (Manchester City) recently reignited the debate about player workload, joined by Aymeric Laporte. Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, spoke to Marca, agreeing that there are too many club fixtures but surprisingly stating: “I hope there will not be any threats of strikes from the players.” This statement seems contradictory, reflecting the complexity of the issue.
Spain are currently second in their Nations League group, having drawn against Serbia (0-0) and achieved a convincing 4-1 victory over Switzerland. The team hasn’t lost a single time since their 0-1 defeat to Colombia in March 2023.
A few key players will be missing for the upcoming encounter due to injuries. Rodri and Dani Carvajal are sidelined with ACL injuries, which have ruled them out for the season.
Atlético Madrid’s Robin Le Normand is out with a traumatic brain injury and is expected to be replaced by Aymeric Laporte. Other sidelined players include Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Nico Williams, and Bryan Gil.
Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) is anticipated to organise the midfield in Rodri’s absence. Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Álex Baena (Villarreal), and Álvaro Morata are set to lead La Roja’s attacking dynamics. Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo) is a strong candidate to replace Carvajal but will have to compete with Pedro Porro for the right-back position.
Denmark is the current leader of their Nations League group, with six points, edging out Spain, which stands at four points.
The Danes secured impressive victories against Switzerland (2-0) and Serbia (2-0). Denmark wiłl look to keep its winning streak, but will have to be solid in Murcia against Spain to retain their top spot. Spain’s attack has been exceptionally efficient in front of the goal, meaning Denmark cannot make any mistakes in the defence.
The Danish Football Association parted ways with head coach Kasper Hjulmand after they failed to win a single game in the EURO2024 group stages, eventually being eliminated by Germany (2-0) in the Round of 16. Lars Knudsen has stepped in as the caretaker manager, taking charge of the team during this transitional period.
Similar to Spain’s head coach De la Fuente, Knudsen’s squad is also affected by injuries. Key players Joachim Andersen, Mikkel Damsgaard, Christian Nørgaard, and Morten Frendrup won’t be available.
Fortunately, Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund is back after missing the previous encounter to his own fitness issues. He is expected to be paired with Yusuf Poulsen up front. At the back, Jannik Vestergaard, Rasmus Kristensen and Victor Nelsson are expected to form the three-man defence.
Denmark only won twice against Spain in sixteen matches, with the last Danish victory dating back to 1993 (1-0).
Bet hereSpain is the clear favorite for this encounter, backed by a history of dominance in this fixture and the advantage of hosting the game. The team won’t be content with a second place in the Nation’s League and will be pushing firmly for the win.
The form of Lamine Yamal, Álex Baena, and Oscar Mingueza could be key to grabbing the three points.
Denmark’s previous opponents weren’t strong enough to withstand their counter-attacking football, but Spain have the qualities to do so. Spain’s enhanced verticality – introduced by head coach Luis de la Fuente – gives them a significant tactical edge.
Lamine Yamal continues to impress the world with his wing play. It’s well-known that three-at-the-back formations can struggle against powerful 1v1 wingers, as wing-backs often find themselves overwhelmed with both defensive and offensive responsibilities. Even if he doesn’t score, his crosses remain a deadly tool inside the box.
Additionally, Alex Baena and Alvaro Morata’s involvement could see them pinning defenders to give Lamine Yamal more space and time on the ball.
If Oscar Mingueza starts as a right-back, it will give Lamine Yamal a partner who has been brilliant in the final third. There’s nothing better for a winger than a full-back who’s technically astute.
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