Spain v Tahiti: La Roja to show no mercy in mismatch

David Villa is expected to return to the starting lineup in Rio

Christian Crowther previews this mismatch of biblical proportions and searches for value in the betting...

Spain v Tahiti, Thursday 20:00, BBC Three, Match Odds: Spain *, Tahiti 450.0449/1, The Draw 150149/1

*Spain are presently unavailable to back on the exchange - such is the strength of expectation that they will win - but can be backed at 1/500 in the fixed-odds market

David and Goliath springs to mind in this Confederations Cup Group B clash, though Tahiti have neither stones nor a slingshot in their arsenal to bring down the might of Spain.

No one expected the Pacific islanders to perform miracles at this competition and their 6-1 chastening at the hands of African Cup of Nations champions Nigeria suggests that the world's finest football nation will inflict a rugby-type score on Tahiti.

At least the Tahitians gave their fans something to cheer with that precious goal, a strike which could well end up being the highlight of their Confederations Cup experience.

No doubt Vicente del Bosque will consider fielding a bona fide B team from his rich pickings but, when you have a bench made up of a good deal of the Premier League's finest foreign imports, the net result will still be a princely win for Spain.

On the bench in that 2-1 win over Uruguay were Pepe Reina, David Silva, Juan Mata and Santi Cazorla, not to mention Fernando Torres, Jesus Navas, Cesar Azpilicueta and Nacho Monreal.

These Spanish 'reserves' could form the basis of one of the more formidable looking teams present at this year's Confederation Cup on their own.

The only real question mark over this contest is how many the world champions will rack up. Even if Spain go easy, that's still likely to be a hatful.

The Spain -7 Handicap

It's hard to look anywhere other than the goals column for this one with the regular match market so one-sided.

This handicap may seem a little bold, but if Nigeria can win by a five-goal margin, it is natural to expect the Spanish to better that and win by eight. They have scored five or more ten times since 2009 alone.

To Score a Hat-Trick?

If Spain are going to rack up a score more at home in the school yard, then it figures that an individual will profit too, much as Nnamdi Oduamadi did for Nigeria in the opener.

David Villa didn't feature against Uruguay but is expected to start at the Maracana. With a great record at international level, the long-term Premier League target can claim the match ball.

Recommended Bets

Best Bet: Back Spain to win with a -7 handicap @ 1.8810/11
Back David Villa to score a hat-trick @ 3.613/5