Spain U21 vs Romania U21 Prediction: Joseph can lead the Spanish charge

Spain were made to fight all the way against hosts Slovakia in their opening match of the European Under-21 Championship and will be hoping for a more comfortable second game against Romania, although their opponents were unfortunate not to score in their 1-0 defeat to Italy. 

Ian Wilkerson got the nod to preview this one. Kick-off is at 17:00 on Saturday and 4Seven will be showing the game live on TV in the UK. Let's check out his betting tips and Spain U21 vs Portugal U21 Predictions...

Team news

Hugo Bueno and Alberto Moliera are pushing for inclusion in the Spanish starting line-up, while Mateo Joseph is expected to continue up front for La Roja. 

Romania have had to leave Octavian Popescu at home due to a long-term injury, and the team could have a similar look to the one that started their opening defeat to Italy. 

Spain U21 vs Romania U21 Odds

Spain are overwhelming favourites to win Saturday's game and are 1/3 to add another three points to their tally. Romania are 7/1 to claim their first success while a draw is available at 4/1. 

A high-scoring game is expected, with over 2.5 goals just 1/2, while both teams to score can be backed at 8/11. 

With the Spanish outfit so strongly fancied, it is no surprise to see striker Mateo Joseph 3/1 to net the contest's first goal. 

Spain & both teams to score @ 13/8 

Spain needed a late goal from Cesar Terrega to ensure they got their Under-21 Euros off to a winning start after they looked to have squandered a two-goal lead against hosts Slovakia and they will probably look to get on the front foot quickly again when they face Romania on Saturday. 

Two goals in the opening 20 minutes was a real sign of intent from La Roja and the result will have boosted their confidence a great deal after successive warm-up defeats to Ukraine and Germany. 

They should have too much for Romania, but their opponents should be expected to make their mark. 

The Romanians failed to score a goal in three matches at the 2023 finals, but they created plenty of chances in their 1-0 defeat against Italy, so they can make an impression even if they do fall to another loss, with a 3-1 Spain win maybe of interest for those looking for a correct-score bet.  

Mateo Joseph to score at any time @ 5/6 

Mateo Joseph scored Spain's second goal in their opening victory and, while he was a fringe player in Leeds United's push for the Championship title in the season that has just finished, he has rewarded the faith put in him by Spain manager Santi Denia. 

He scored a hat-trick in a 4-3 qualifying win over Kazakhstan on his way to five goals in the campaign and he should be positive enough to add to his tally. 

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