Australia v Spain tips, predictions, odds, lineups and free bets (World Cup - Group B - June 23, 2014)

Sunday, 22 June 2014 16:33
Written by Simon Bettarini

Australia and Spain will clash at Arena da Baixada in Curitiba in their third and last World Cup match, a dead rubber nobody could have expected. Find below a complete AUSTRALIA v SPAIN betting preview with tips, predictions, best odds, probable line-ups, free bets and no deposit bonuses on the match!

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AUSTRALIA v SPAIN BETTING PREVIEW

The Australians have well performed at the tournament in reality, taking Chile and Netherlands right to the end of games. They were 2-1 up against Holland in their second match, after losing against Chile in their opener before to concede two goals.

Despite showing chinks in their defense, Australia showed that they could fire back with authority but they will be missing their star man Tim Cahill for this one. He is suspended after picking up yellow cards in both of his team’s matches. Mathew Leckie, who impressed against Holland, is expected to take Cahill’s role as Australia’s lone striker, with Halloran coming in to play out wide. Mark Milligan may miss out against due to injury, but Ivan Franjic should be available.

Spain was expected to top Group B, but awful showings against Netherlands and Chile has them currently mired at the bottom of the standings, with one of the worst goal differentials in the tournament at -6. Spain won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 conceding just six goals across all three tournaments. That is one less than they have conceded in their two games at Brazil 2014.

It is likely that Vicente del Bosque will dump his old guard and go for a fresh line up. He will probably rest their goalkeeper De Gea, defender Albiola and striker Diego Costa due to their injuries but Reina, Juanfran, Koke, Cazorla and Torres are all expected to play in the starting XI. Gerard Pique is a doubt having missed the defeat to Chile.

Despite the team’s recent bland and unconvincing performances, Spain have to be considered firm favourites to win the match but we expect Australia to score at least one goal.

AUSTRALIA v SPAIN PROBABLE LINEUPS

Australia (4-2-3-1): Ryan – McGowan, Spiranovic, Wilkinson, Davidson – Holland, Jedinak – Troisi, Bresciano, Oar – Leckie

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Spain (4-2-3-1): Reina – Juanfran, Ramos, Javi Martinez, Jordi Alba – Busquets, Iniesta – Koke, Fabregas, Cazorla – Torres