Shamrock Rovers host Drogheda United in a Matchday 33 of the Irish Premier Division. The game takes place on Thursday, October 8, at 20:00 UK Time.
England hosts Spain in the opening match of the 2026/27 Nations League campaign for both teams. The game takes place on Saturday at 19:45 UK Time, with bookmakers giving a slight edge to the visitors.
Match Preview
Spain will play their first match since winning the World Cup title. Luis de la Fuente’s team remained unbeaten throughout the 2026 World Cup. Even more impressive was their defensive performance - conceding just one goal in eight matches. The Spaniards are once again aiming for victory and will field a near full-strength squad for Saturday's visit to England. This is a rematch of the Euro 2024 final, which La Furia Roja won 2:1.
England had to come to terms with the disappointment of their World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Argentina. Thomas Tuchel’s team won the third-place play-off 6:4 against France in a thrilling encounter that will long be remembered. Tuchel has retained the backing of the leadership and will continue to manage the Three Lions, with the goal of a strong showing in the Nations League. But can England kick off the tournament by defeating the world champions?
Prediction for England - Spain
Spain was undoubtedly the most impressive team at the World Cup. De la Fuente’s squad heads to London having not lost a match in regulation time since March 2024. The Spanish side's defense will face a stern test against The Three Lions, which has scored in nine of its last ten matches. I expect a hard-fought game with goals from both teams.
Prediction: BTTS
