Spain vs France predictions: Nations League semi-final tips and odds
Our expert has three tips for Thursday's Nations League semi-final between Spain and France at the Stuttgart Arena, Germany (kick-off, 8pm BST). We think Spain can capitalise on France's defensive absentees.
Spain vs France tips
Spain to win @ 13/10 with Midnite
Over 9.5 corners @ 10/11 with Midnite
Nico Williams to have 1+ shot on target @ 3/4 with Midnite
Odds courtesy of Midnite. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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Spain can expose weakened rivals
Both Spain and France required penalties to progress to the Nations League semi-finals but La Roja look better equipped to win when the sides square up in Stuttgart.
Spain are unbeaten in their last 18 matches and have not lost in the Nations League since September 2022, having won the most recent edition of the tournament.
France won the Nations League in 2020-21 but they are not at full strength going into this semi-final with seven players having featured in the Champions League final and starting defenders Jules Kounde, William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano all out.
Les Bleus have already lost to Croatia and Italy in this tournament and a fresher Spain are a worthwhile bet to win at 13/10.
Expect a high corner count
It was a case of possession with purpose for Spain when they won Euro 2024 and their more direct approach under Luis de la Fuente could contribute to a high corner count against France.
Getting the ball to Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams down the flanks is key to Spain's approach and they have averaged 5.6 corners per game in their last five matches.
Having included the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola in their latest squad, France also like to play with width and only Portugal (57) have taken more corners in this competition than Les Bleus (56), so over 9.5 total corners looks a good pick.
Williams can excel on left flank
Yamal is obviously the star of the show for Spain but his team-mate Williams should not be underestimated.
Williams leads the way for both shots (19) and shots on target (nine) for Spain in this season's Nations League, while he averaged 1.9 shots per game for Athletic Bilbao in La Liga this term.
In the two-legged quarter-final with the Netherlands, Spain directed 43 per cent of their attacks down the left, so Williams should get plenty of the ball and is worth backing to have a shot on target.
Spain vs France odds
All odds courtesy of Midnite. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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