Sweden VS Spain

Spain got their Euro 2008 qualifying off to a horrific start with a 3-2 defeat against Northern Ireland. Sweden meanwhile have begun with two predictable wins against Latvia and Liechenstein.
Obviously the repercussions of that defeat (and failing at the World Cup) were huge with coach Aragones offering to quit. The Spanish FA did not accept his resignation and Aragones decided to stay on.
However this game does perhaps mark a new dawn for Spain. It is the first time that i can remember that Spains leading goalscorer Raul has not been named in a squad for which he is fit. This is a huge boost for David Villa and Fernando Torres who look set to lead Spains attack for years to come.
Now as desperatly as Spain are for a win there are some other reasons for backing them with some confidence this weekend.
Firstly Swedens strikeforce or lack of one and other injuries. Henrik Larsson has retired, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has made himself "unavailable" and Sweden are waiting to see if Marcus Allback will be fit to play as he has a muscle problem with his abdomen.
Adding to this list of woe is Olof Mellberg who injured himself in training (massive blow as he has been in fine form for his club) and Tobias Linderoth. Just for good measure goalkeeper Isaksson misses the match and Rami Shabaan will play in goal.
Sweden could be without half of their first choice line-up from just 3 months ago.
Spain meanwhile will just miss Jose Antonio Reyes who is not an integral part of the Spanish team anyway.
I believe this is far too big a handicap for the Swedes to overcome. I cannot see them scoring with their best strikers missing but by way of a saver i would suggest a bet on "no goalscorer" to cover the 0-0 draw but with everything to play for and all the injuries Sweden have i expect Spain can come away with 3 very valuable points. If you fancy less of a gamble, odds of 2.4 on a Spanish win provide excellent value available at Interwetten and Skybet.
As ever betting on Spain can be an unpredictable beast at times so i suggest keeping stakes to a sensible level.

Pick : Spain to win to nil
Odds : 3.70