Verdict: Spain win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Making their final pre-World Cup appearance on Tuesday night, Spain will welcome Egypt to Catalonia.
Spain
Starting with the hosts, while Spain might have suffered Nations League heartbreak against historic foes Portugal last summer, La Roda haven’t shown any signs of a hangover. Travelling to North America in a few months widely regarded as a standout contender to get their hands on a second World Cup crown, Luis de la Fuente’s superstar squad have received a fearsome reputation from across the globe. Climbing to the top of the FIFA rankings back in January, Spain have also continued to shine with their dominant displays in the final third. Getting the New Year underway with a routine 3-0 victory against Serbia on Friday, the European giants have notched at least a pair of goals in all of their previous 14 consecutive appearances across all competitions. With that run stemming all the way back to a 1-0 win against Denmark in October 2024, de la Fuente’s men will be looking to make another statement here.
Spain Team News
Given what is a speedy turnaround, de la Fuente is expected to make a string of high-profile alterations in Catalonia. While Real Sociedad skipper Mikel Oyarzabal might have bagged a classy brace against Serbia over the weekend, the 28-year-old will likely be handed a rest.
Likewise, Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal is expected to settle for a spot on the bench. Left as an unused substitute on Friday night, Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen should be handed a start in Catalonia and will earn a seventh international cap.
Egypt
As for the visitors, while Egypt might have missed out on the chance to claim an AFCON bronze medal back in January, the Pharaohs find themselves in an almost identical position to Tuesday’s hosts. Embarking on what was a sensational World Cup qualifying romp last year, Hossam Hassan’s camp registered 26 points from their 10 Group A appearances. Getting their pre-tournament preparations underway with an empathic 4-0 victory against Saudi Arabia over the weekend, Egypt will have their sights set on mounting a genuine knockout stage charge over in North America this summer. Although Hassan’s side might travel to Catalonia on Tuesday night facing a monumental challenge, the Pharaohs will be hoping to cause some real headaches against the reigning European champions.
Egypt Team News
Announcing last week that he will be ending his iconic nine-year stint with Liverpool this summer, Mohamed Salah has not been included in Egypt’s squad this month after picking up a minor knock.
Despite speculation over his respective future with Premier League giants Manchester City, Omar Marmoush should spearhead Egypt’s charge. Finding the net against Saudi Arabia on Friday, one-time Aston Villa star Trezeguet will partner Marmoush in the final third.
Spain vs Egypt Key Factors to Consider
- Tuesday’s showdown in Catalonia is the first meeting between Spain and Egypt since La Roja claimed a 2-0 victory back in 2006.
- Spain have recorded at least a pair of goals in all of their previous 14 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- The reigning European champions have not suffered a single defeat in front of their own supporters since way back in September 2022.
- Egypt have lost just one of their last nine appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.
- 13 of Spain’s last 14 appearances across all formats have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Getting the New Year underway with a routine 3-0 victory against Serbia on Friday, Spain will be looking to make another pre-World Cup statement here. Travelling to North America this summer regarded as a standout contender, La Roja are rightfully pencilled in as a landslide contender on Tuesday night. While Egypt might be hoping to cause some potential headaches in Catalonia, the Pharaohs couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge in midweek.
Verdict: Spain win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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