Spain vs. Serbia: Preview, Predictions, Lineups for International Friendly
Spain return to action for the first time this year with an international friendly against Serbia on Friday, March 27. This preview includes predictions and lineups for this international friendly.
Context and form
La Roja are the reigning European champions. They sailed through 2026 World Cup qualifying and remain among the favorites for the next tournament.
Spain have not lost in 90 minutes for more than two years. The team won 20 of their last 25 matches and claimed five victories from six qualifying games.
Recent head-to-head
Spain beat Serbia 3-0 in their 2024 Nations League meeting. The hosts are unbeaten in the past three encounters between the sides.
Serbia’s situation
Veljko Paunović became Serbia manager in November. He previously coached Chicago Fire and has experience working in Spain.
Serbia endured a poor World Cup qualifying campaign and finished behind Albania. They missed out on the playoff places as a result.
Since losing to Spain in October 2024, Serbia’s only wins came against Austria, Andorra and Latvia. The side still boasts strong individuals but lacks cohesion.
Predicted lineups and absences
Spain face several absences for the March fixtures. Nico Williams and Álvaro Morata miss the squad, while Mikel Merino and Fabián Ruiz recover from long-term injuries.
Other names not included from last year’s qualification squads are Gavi, Aleix García, Pablo Barrios, Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand. Key starters such as Pedri and Rodri are likely to feature after a long break.
- Spain (predicted, 4-2-3-1): Simón; Llorente, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Zubimendi, Rodri; Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal.
Serbia also list high-profile absentees for this window. Dušan Vlahović is not involved after a lengthy injury layoff and recent club comeback. Andrija Živković, Marko Grujić, Ivan Ilić, Nemanja Radonjić and Aleksandar Katai are also missing.
- Serbia (predicted, 4-3-3): Rajković; Mimović, Nikola Milenković, Strahinja Pavlović, Terzić; Sergej Milinković-Savić, Nemanja Gudelj, Saša Lukić; Kostić, Aleksandar Mitrović, Jović.
Match details and coverage
The game takes place at Estadio de la Cerámica in Villarreal. Kick-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. GMT on March 27.
The referee appointed is Luis Godinho from Portugal. Broadcast options include ViX in the United States and Amazon Prime Video in the United Kingdom.
- Canada: DAZN Canada and fuboTV Canada
- Mexico: No broadcaster listed
Predictions
Spain arrive in superior form and should control the match. Their depth and recent consistency point to a clear win.
Serbia possess quality players but lack team rhythm and clinical options on the wings. Filmogaz.com predicts a 3-0 victory for Spain in Villarreal.
