Spain vs. Sweden 6/14/21 - Euro Cup Picks & Predictions

On Monday, Spain will play Sweden in a first round match of the Euro 2020 at Olympic Stadium in Sevilla, Spain. Following a qualification campaign that was dominating in which Spain won eight of its 10 matches without losing, the three-time European champions are one of the favorites to win Euro 2020. Spain has lost only once dating back to November 2018 a span that includes 24 matches and a 6-0 rout of Germany.

However, preparations by manager Luis Enrique were disrupted after news that Sergio Busquets, one of the most experienced central midfielders for Spain, had tested positive for covid and will not play. Defender Diego Llorente is an injury concern but appears to have recovered and will be on the pitch Tuesday. Jordi Alba, Ferran Torres, Pablo Sarabia and Alvaro Morata will lead the charge of Spain.

Sweden finished its qualification for Euro 2020 behind Spain but lost just once during their 10 matches and has won five consecutive matches, including friendlies, heading into the tournament. Sweden will play without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the country's all-time leading goalscorer, who is out with a knee injury. Therefore, Alexander Isak will be expected to score most of Sweden's goals.

Sweden will be without midfielder Mattias Svanberg and winger Dejan Kuluevski, who both tested positive for covid. Manager Janne Andersson has had to call up six players from his reserve squad due to injuries and loss of players because of covid. Sweden has lost six of its last eight Euro championship matches.