International football is back for the second time this season and the first standout friendly is Wales vs Spain.
Both sides enjoy a hiatus from their Uefa Nations League commitments at the start of the international break, ahead of their competitive matches next week.
So, read on for Wales v Spain live stream options, team news, predicted XIs, stats and TV channel info.
When is Wales vs Spain?
Competition: Friendly
Venue: Millenium Stadium
Date: Thursday, 11 October
Kick-off: 7:45 PM BST
Match preview
While Spain endured pain at the World Cup in Russia, Wales got the summer off having failed to qualify for the quadrennial competition. As a result, 2010 World Cup winners Spain are currently ranked ninth in the FIFA world rankings while Wales have settled at 19th, some way off the 11th they climbed to in the wake of their impressive Euro 2016 showing.
In terms of recent international form, Spain have won both of their Uefa Nations League games so far while Wales have won one and lost one.
La Roja are enjoying things under new boss Luis Enrique, who brought a new lease of life to a squad which looked so subpar in Russia, beating two World Cup semi-finalists in the Uefa Nations League via a 2-1 win over England at Wembley and a 6-0 thumping of runners-up Croatia.
Ryan Giggs’ Wales side, with Gareth Bale leading the line, started off brightly against Republic of Ireland brightly, winning 4-1. However, they were brought back down to earth by Denmark with a 2-0 defeat.
After the meeting between the two sides on Thursday, both Wales and Spain will return to Uefa Nations League action for their third matches, taking on Ireland and England respectively.
Where can I watch live?
Wales’ friendly against Spain can be viewed by UK residents on S4C (Welsh-language) and Sky Sports Football, which is channel 134 and 403 respectively on Sky and channels 166 and 503 respectively for Virgin Media users.
Can Wales function without Bale?
No British player has won more Champions League trophies than Gareth Bale.
2014
2016
2017
2018This one is down to him.
pic.twitter.com/NPCiTNUgVz
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 26, 2018
Should Gareth Bale not return to full fitness to face Spain, Giggs’ side will have to prove they are more than just the Real Madrid forward. Wales do have some fresh young faces coming through in the shape of Tyler Roberts and Ben Woodburn, and, although Bale is irreplaceable for the time being, the game against Spain will be a good chance to Giggs to experiment with a side geared more toward the future, and life after the four-time Champions League-winning forward forward.
Are Spain the real deal under Enrique?
The World Cup was undeniably a disaster for Spain, with the Julen Lopetegui-Real Madrid fiasco setting the tone. But under new manager Luis Enrique, La Roja look a step closer to the side they once were between 2008 and 2012, when they dominated world football. Though it is far too soon to draw full comparisons, Spain do look to be on a high once more, playing more direct football in the Barcelona way.
Who will captain Wales vs Spain?
In the likely absence of Bale on Thursday, Aaron Ramsey would likely be the deputy leading Wales out against Spain on Thursday. But if the Arsenal man, who missed training on Monday, is also out of the starting XI then Ryan Giggs could turn to Ashley Williams, who captained the country prior to Bale.
Head to head
With a defeat last time out to Denmark, Wales go into the game against Spain with two wins from their five matches so far in 2018 having beaten Ireland and China. Meanwhile, Spain have lost just one of their 10 games this year – the World Cup last-16 shootout defeat to Russia – winning five and drawing the other four.
The meeting between Wales and Spain on Thursday will be just the sixth time the two sides have faced off, with the last coming in April 1985. Wales were victorious on that occasion, a World Cup qualifier, but that is the Dragons’ only victory over La Roja with Spain winning twice and both remaining meetings ending in draws.
Wales wins: 1 Draws: 2 Spain wins: 2
Team news
This opening game of the international break is a friendly ahead of more important Nations League fixtures, so Wales are unlikely to risk forward Bale, who appeared to pick up another knock in Real Madrid’s defeat to Alaves on Saturday. Wales were also without Aaron Ramsey and Tyler Roberts for their training session on Monday, following the pair’s involvement with their club sides and so may be unlikely to start for the Dragons on Thursday. As a result, Same Vokes is likely to start up front for Wales while impressive youngster Ethan Ampadu should continue despite his lack of club minutes.
Spain are also without some big names for the game against Wales, though their absentees are more definite than their opponents. Isco, Dani Carvajal, Sergi Roberto and Diego Costa all missed out on call-ups for Spain’s squad to face Wales and England due to injuries.
Predicted Wales XI: Hennessey; Gunter, Mepham, Williams, Davies; Allen, Ampadu; Woodburn, Brooks, Lawrence; Vokes.
Predicted Spain XI: De Gea; Azpilicueta, Ramos, Nacho, Alonso; Busquets; Saul, Thiago; Aspas, Rodrigo, Asensio.
Predictions & Betting Tips
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1. Over 3.5 goals @ 9/4
Post-World Cup, games involving Wales and Spain have seen goals galore with La Roja particularly potent in front of goal.
Wales’ two Nations League matches averaged 3.5 goals per game, a 4-1 win over Ireland and 2-0 defeat to Denmark, while Spain’s double against England and Croatia averaged 4.5 goals per game.
Though the more frightening players may be unlikely to play, Thursday’s match will be a chance for some fringe stars to prove their worth and could result in an open game.
Key Stat: No team has scored more goals in the Uefa Nations League than Spain (eight).
Tip: Over 3.5 goals @ 9/4 with William Hill – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (09/10/2018, 17:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
2. Sam Vokes to score anytime @ 27/10
With Gareth Bale a doubt to face Spain, Burnley striker Sam Vokes seems the most likely to lead the line on Thursday and it could turn out well for the 28-year-old.
Vokes was part of Wales’ squad for the past two fixtures, against Ireland and Denmark, but did not make it off the bench with Ryan Giggs relying on Bale for the goals.
But, after a slow start to the season, Vokes has finally started to find the net, scoring two in his last two games for Burnley – either side of his Welsh call-up.
Key Stat: Sam Vokes has scored 7 goals in 22 international friendlies for Wales.
Tip: Sam Vokes to score anytime @ 27/10 with William Hill – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (09/10/2018, 17:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
3. Spain to win and both teams to score @ 23/10
Spain are heavy favourites to win the match against Wales given their domination of World Cup runners-up Croatia last time out. But, before the Blazers struggled to break through their defence, Spain showed some signs of defensive frailty against England which Wales can exploit to put pressure on La Roja. While it will likely not be enough to win the match for Wales, the game will be an exciting fixture, with both sides finding the net.
Key Stat: Spain have kept just one clean sheet in their past six matches across all competitions.
Tip: Spain to win and both teams to score @ 23/10 with William Hill – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (09/10/2018, 17:00)
18+ only. Ts&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
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