Spain v France Nations League Free Bets & Match Preview

Spain v France Nations League Free Bets & Match Preview

Nations League Semi-Final: Spain v France – Can La Roja Out-Fancy Les Bleus in Stuttgart Showdown?

Kick-off: 8:00pm BST, Thursday 5th June 2025 | Venue: MHPArena, Stuttgart

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when footballing royalty square off in a glorified friendly with a shiny trophy at the end, wonder no more. The UEFA Nations League semi-finals are here, and this Thursday, it’s Spain versus France. It’s a rerun of the 2021-22 final, only this time there’s less confetti (for now) and more at stake than bragging rights over tapas and baguettes.

And if you fancy a flutter? SBK are offering new customers Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets, which is arguably more generous than either team’s back four. Just saying.

Spain’s Red Revival: Can La Roja Make History?

Spain, who currently sit second in the FIFA rankings behind Argentina, have taken to the Nations League like a duck to a tactical whiteboard. Unbeaten in 20 matches across all competitions – a run stretching back to March 2023 – they’ve looked as stylish as ever, scoring two or more in 16 of those outings. In short, they’re playing the kind of football that would have made tiki-taka cry tears of joy.

Of course, it’s not all sangria and sunshine. Spain’s defence has been wobblier than a three-legged bar stool lately. They’ve shipped at least two goals in their last three Nations League fixtures – a stat that hasn’t reared its head since 1981. Nostalgic? Yes. Ideal preparation for a semi-final against France? Not quite.

Still, they edged past the Netherlands in a quarter-final thriller over two legs that ended 2-2 both times. Extra time brought another goal apiece before a penalty shootout delivered a 5-4 win for Luis de la Fuente’s men. Nerve-shredding stuff – not unlike placing an accumulator with three Scottish Championship matches involved.

French Resurgence: Can Deschamps Go Out With a Bang?

On the other side, France – those perennial nearly-men of the last few years – are hoping to add another Nations League title to their trophy cabinet before Didier Deschamps calls it a day after the 2026 World Cup. Having fallen short in both the 2022 World Cup final and the semi-finals of Euro 2024, Les Bleus are due a little silverware.

Their route to Stuttgart involved one of the more dramatic quarter-final comebacks. Two goals down to Croatia from the first leg, they roared back with goals from Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele before Mike Maignan played the shootout hero with a save that made headlines from Marseille to Manchester. Dayot Upamecano then sealed it with the kind of nerveless penalty you’d usually expect from someone playing FIFA with the confidence slider turned up to 11.

France finished top of League A Group 2, just edging past Italy on goal difference. With 13 points and some encouraging performances, they’ve finally looked like a team that knows what it’s doing in this quirky competition. Just don’t expect them to make it look easy.

Spain’s Line-up: A Midfield With Swagger and a Defence in Flux

La Roja will line up with plenty of flair but perhaps less steel than their opponents. Unai Simon is expected to don the gloves behind a backline likely featuring Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella out wide. The centre-back pairing may see Pau Cubarsi – fresh from injury – link up with the ever-reliable Robin Le Normand.

In midfield, Martin Zubimendi might hold the fort while Pedri, back in full flow, conducts things with his usual zip. Up front, we should see Dani Olmo and Nico Williams flanking the electric Lamine Yamal, all supporting Mikel Oyarzabal, who’s more clinical than a dentist with a grudge.

Ferran Torres misses out thanks to a poorly-timed bout of appendicitis, and Rodri – the metronome of Manchester City – is still building up fitness. The wildcard here could be Isco, who’s set for a surprise return to the international fold after five years in the wilderness. One imagines he’s been watching clips of his old self to get reacquainted.

France’s XI: Loaded With Firepower, Minus a Few Defenders

Now, France. Oh, France. If attacking options were points, they’d have won already. Kylian Mbappe is on the brink of his 50th international goal, and with his armband firmly on, he’ll be leading the charge. Alongside him, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise look likely to start – unless Deschamps decides to roll the dice and unleash Rayan Cherki, the Lyon wonderkid tipped for great things (and a possible move to Man City).

The midfield trio will probably feature Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot, and Les Bleus’ newest midfield engine Khephren Thuram. It’s not exactly short on quality, and it may just be enough to overpower Spain’s more technical approach.

At the back, however, France have problems. With Upamecano, Saliba, and Kounde all injured, Deschamps has to improvise. Benjamin Pavard might get the nod at right-back, and on the left, the options include Lucas Hernandez, Clement Lenglet, or the uncapped Loic Bade. Somewhere, Laurent Blanc just winced.

Mike Maignan will be in goal, fresh off his penalty heroics. One suspects his gloves haven’t cooled down since.

Head-to-Head: Tightly Contested, Occasionally Chaotic

When these two giants collide, it’s usually a close-run thing. They’ve alternated wins and losses in their last five meetings, and four of those were decided by just a single goal. Most recently, Spain edged the semi-final clash at Euro 2024, while France got their revenge in the 2021 Nations League final.

Essentially, this one could go either way. Flip a coin. Spin a wheel. Or just use SBK’s Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets offer to have a bit of a punt on both outcomes and a draw, because that’s probably how most of us are feeling right now – entirely non-committal.

Our Prediction: Spain 2-1 France (AET)

Expect a cracker. Spain have the form and the flair, France have the firepower and unfinished business. If both sides bring their best, this could be the game of the tournament. But with France’s defensive absentees and Spain’s forward line clicking nicely, La Roja may just squeak through after extra time.

No guarantees, of course – this is international football, where logic goes to die. Still, backing Spain to win after 120 minutes at a cheeky price might not be the worst use of those SBK free bets.

The Final Word

Whichever way it goes, it’s a mouth-watering match-up worthy of a final. And don’t forget, the winner earns a date with either Germany or Portugal in the grand finale on Sunday, 8th June. The loser? Well, they get the honour of playing for third place, which is a bit like turning up at Wimbledon for the bronze medal match – valiant, but utterly forgettable.

So, fire up the kettle, grab a few snacks, and settle in. The Nations League might not be the World Cup, but on nights like this, it doesn’t have to be.

Stuttgart won’t know what’s hit it.

From a Betting Perspective

The Stage is Set: Spain vs. France

Picture the scene: a balmy evening, the stadium lights blazing like a thousand suns, and the air thick with anticipation. Spain, the matadors of tika-taka, face off against France, the Gallic roosters who strut with the confidence of a nation that invented champagne. The outright winner odds are tighter than a Spaniard’s skinny jeans: Spain at 6/4, France at 23/10, and a draw at 7/3. That’s right, folks, this one’s closer than a dodgy VAR decision. If you’re pondering a punt with free bets UK, these odds suggest you might need a crystal ball to pick a winner.

But let’s not get too hung up on the outright winner just yet. The to qualify market gives us a glimpse into who’s likely to progress, whether by fair means or foul (or, more likely, penalties). Spain are favourites at 3/4 to advance, while France are hot on their heels at 7/6. This tells us one thing: it’s going to be a scrap, and not the kind you’d find in a tapas bar brawl. Both teams are loaded with talent, but who’s got the edge? Let’s break it down like a badly assembled IKEA wardrobe.

The Goalscoring Gladiators

If this match is a blockbuster movie, the first goalscorer market is the opening scene that sets the tone. And who better to steal the spotlight than Kylian Mbappé, priced at 11/2 to break the deadlock? The French phenom moves faster than a Ferrari on the M25, and with his knack for finding the net, he’s the man most likely to have the Spanish defence sweating like a tourist in Seville. Hot on his heels is Spain’s Alvaro Morata at 13/2, a striker who’s as reliable as a British summer but occasionally pulls off a moment of magic. Then there’s Mikel Oyarzabal and Randal Muani, both at 15/2, ready to pounce like vultures on a discarded baguette.

The first goalscorer list is longer than a Spanish siesta, with names like Marcus Thuram (17/2), Ousmane Dembélé (9/1), Dani Olmo (9/1), and Isco (9/1) all in the mix. For those dreaming of an upset, how about Lamine Yamal at 10/1? The kid’s so young he probably still gets ID’d for a Fanta, but he’s got the skills to make French defenders look like they’re chasing a mirage. And if you’re feeling particularly pessimistic, there’s always No Goalscorer at 9/1—because sometimes football can be as barren as a Brexit trade deal.

But let’s not stop at the first goal. The anytime goalscorer market is where the real fun begins. Mbappé leads the charge at 11/5, followed by Morata at 27/10 and Oyarzabal at 3/1. Dembélé (10/3), Muani (17/5), and Olmo (7/2) are all itching to get their names on the scoresheet, while the likes of Bradley Barcola (15/4) and Lamine Yamal (4/1) could provide a cheeky return for those dabbling in free bets. Further down the list, you’ve got dark horses like Fermin Lopez (5/1), Desire Doue (23/4), and even Adrien Rabiot (15/2), who’s more likely to score with a header than a heartfelt apology.

Total Goals: A Fiesta or a Fiasco?

Now, let’s talk goals—or the lack thereof. The total goals market is a smorgasbord of possibilities, ranging from a goalless snoozefest to a goal-fest that would make even Pep Guardiola blush. If you’re expecting a cagey affair, the under 4 goals bet at 2/17 is safer than a Volvo in a school zone. Under 3.5 goals is 2/7, under 3 is 2/5, and under 2.5 is 7/9. If you think both teams will park the bus harder than a London cabbie on strike, under 1.5 goals at 12/5 or under 0.5 at 9/1 might tickle your fancy.

On the flip side, if you’re hoping for a thriller, over 1.5 goals at 19/50 is practically a banker. Over 2 goals is 6/11, and over 2.5 is 11/10. Feeling optimistic? Over 3 goals at 19/10 or over 3.5 at 14/5 could be worth a punt with your free bets UK. And for those who believe this match will descend into absolute chaos, over 5.5 goals at 19/1 or even over 8.5 at 66/1 are the kind of odds that scream, “I’ve had too much sangria!”

Corners, Cards, and Chaos

Football isn’t just about goals; it’s about the little battles that make you spill your pint in excitement. The total corners market is a goldmine for those who love a bit of set-piece drama. Over 7.5 corners is priced at 1/3, suggesting we’re in for a match with more corners than a hedge maze. Over 8.5 is 4/7, over 9.5 is 19/20, and over 10.5 is 8/5. If you think this game will be an absolute corner-fest, over 17.5 corners at 28/1 is the sort of bet that could either make you a legend or a laughingstock.

On the flip side, under 11.5 corners is 1/3, under 10.5 is 8/15, and under 9.5 is 20/23. If you’re expecting a midfield stalemate with fewer set pieces than a minimalist art gallery, under 4.5 corners at 10/1 might be your cup of tea. But let’s be honest, with players like Nico Williams (10/1 to score first) and Theo Hernandez (29/1 to score first) bombing down the wings, corners are as inevitable as a Frenchman’s shrug.

The Assist Artists (Or Lack Thereof)

Assists are the unsung heroes of football, like the poor sod who sets up the pins in a bowling alley. But in this match, the player assists market is less about who’s going to provide the killer pass and more about who’s not going to. The odds for players like Clement Lenglet (1/200), Ibrahima Konate (1/200), and Robin Le Normand (1/150) to have under 0.5 assists are so short they’re practically microscopic. Even the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni (1/150) and Dani Vivian (1/100) are more likely to misplace a pass than set up a goal.

Further down the list, you’ve got Alvaro Morata (1/25), Mikel Oyarzabal (1/25), and Fermin Lopez (1/25) all expected to focus on scoring rather than assisting. Even the flair players like Bradley Barcola (1/20) and Desire Doue (1/20) are unlikely to rack up the assists, suggesting this match might be more about individual brilliance than team play. If you’re using free bets to dabble in this market, you might want to save your pennies for something with a bit more juice.

Shots on Target: Who’s Got the Aim?

The player shots on target market is where we separate the sharpshooters from the Sunday league hopefuls. Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal are both at 1/12 to have under 1.5 shots on target, suggesting they’ll either be clinical or completely off the boil. Kylian Mbappé, unsurprisingly, is at 1/10 to have under 2.5 shots on target, which is like betting against a cheetah in a sprint. Ousmane Dembélé (1/7 for under 1.5) and Alvaro Morata (1/6 for under 1.5) are also expected to keep the goalkeepers busy, but not excessively so.

Defenders like Dean Huijsen (1/10 for under 0.5) and Pau Cubarsi (1/9 for under 0.5) are about as likely to test the keeper as I am to win a Michelin star for my microwave dinners. Midfielders like Matteo Guendouzi (2/13 for under 0.5) and Kouadio Kone (2/13 for under 0.5) are also expected to stay quiet in the shooting department. If you’re looking for a safe bet with free bets UK, this market is as predictable as a British rain shower.

Correct Score: Predicting the Unpredictable

The correct score market is where dreams are made and wallets are emptied. Spain to win 1-0 is priced at 7/1, while a 2-1 victory is 17/2, and a 2-0 win is 11/1. If you’re backing Spain to run riot, a 4-0 thrashing at 66/1 or a 5-1 demolition at 175/1 might tempt you. For France, a 1-0 win is 9/1, a 2-1 victory is 11/1, and a 3-0 rout is 40/1. If you think this match will end in a stalemate, a 1-1 draw at 11/2 or a 0-0 borefest at 9/1 are solid options.

For the thrill-seekers, a 4-4 draw at 250/1 or a 5-5 goalfest at 250/1 are the kind of bets that could either fund your next holiday or leave you crying into your pint. With players like Pedri (25/1 to score first), Gavi (28/1 to score first), and Martin Zubimendi (28/1 to score first) in the mix, anything is possible.

Method of Victory and Winning Margin

If this match goes the distance, the method of victory market offers some intriguing options. Either team winning on penalties is 4/1, while extra time is 5/1. Spain in extra time is 9/1, and France on penalties is also 9/1. If you’re picturing a dramatic shootout, this is where your free bets might find a home.

The winning margin market adds another layer of intrigue. A score draw is 10/3, while Spain to win by one goal is also 10/3. France to win by one goal is 4/1, and Spain to win by two goals is 6/1. If you’re feeling bold, Spain to win by four or more goals at 33/1 or France to do the same at 60/1 are the kind of bets that could make you a pub quiz legend.