Wales v Spain Tips: Can the young dragons step up without Bale?
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Wales will have to do without Gareth Bale this evening, as they welcome Spain for the Principality Stadium’s first international fixture since 2011.
Can the hosts bounce back from defeat against Denmark without their injured talisman?
They’ll have their work cut out against a La Roja side which trounced World Cup Finalists Croatia 6-0 last month.
Match odds
The absence of Bale makes Wales’ task infinitely harder.
They’re 8/1 to take the spoils 33 years on from when the nations last met – a 3-0 Dragons victory in Wrexham back in 1985.
Spain are odds-on at 2/5 to continue their 100% record under Luis Enrique. The visitors to Win to Nil against the Bale-less Wales is 21/20.
You can back the draw at 17/5.
Talking tactics
Ryan Giggs is expected to mix youth with experience ahead of the country’s crunch Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland next week.
That could mean starts for Ethan Ampadu, Connor Roberts, Harry Wilson and AFC Bournemouth star David Brooks.
The quartet, along with the rest of the Wales XI, will have to remain structured and disciplined throughout against a Spain side which has found its rhythm again under Enrique.
Their passing ability is without question. Yet it’s the expansiveness of Chelsea pair Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso which could cause Ben Davies and co. the most problems.
If they both start, then fellow Blue Alvaro Morata may be handed a berth up-front alongside Suso and Marco Asensio.
Goalscorer odds
Vokes is rated the most likely goalscorer for the hosts at 14/5.
Yet it’s the exciting talent of Brooks who could do the most damage.
The youngster has been in dazzling form in the Premier League and is 6/1 to Score Anytime for the third match in a row.
Spain have no shortage of options going forward, although it’s Valencia forward Rodrigo who tops the market at 5/4. He’s supported in the betting by Alvaro Morata and Paco Alcacer at 13/10 apiece.
Click here for all our Wales v Spain odds.
Match info
When: 7.45pm
Where: The Principality Stadium, Cardiff.
How to watch: Sky Sports Football.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
