Serbia vs Spain: Predicted Starting 5s and Depth Charts for August 3 | 2024 Paris Women's Olympics Basketball

Modified Aug 03, 2024 12:45 GMT

2016 silver medalist Spain and bronze medalist Serbia will battle it out for the top spot in Group A of the 2024 Paris Olympics when they face off in Lille’s Pierre Mauroy Stadium on Saturday. Both nations are level after two group fixtures with four points each.

These two sides have met eight times in the past, and Spain currently has the edge when it comes to the head-to-head record by winning seven. In contrast, Serbia's sole victory came in the 2021 FIBA Women's EuroBasket tournament.

Serbia vs. Spain: Starting lineups and depth charts

Serbia starting lineups and depth charts

The three-time Olympic participants have troubled teams with their physical and quick play, and so it will be interesting to see just how Spain deals with an opponent rather similar to them.

Serbia coach Marina Maljkovic did not shy away from making a handful of changes for the last game with China, where Masa Jankovic and Yvonne Anderson were among the new starters to justify their inclusions and will be tempted to go with a similar lineup against Spain on Saturday.

Spain starting lineups and depth charts

After claiming a hard-earned victory China, Spain coach Miguel Mendez could be tempted to name an unchanged lineup. Megan Gustafson is set to start alongside Maite Cazorla, while Leonor Rodríguez, Queralt Casa and Megan and Alba Torrens will continue to operate in the forward role.

Buoyed from scoring two winning free throws in the last seconds, Laura Gill will offer one of Spain’s main threats when she gets the chance from the bench.

Serbia vs. Spain: Key Players

In major tournaments, you need your x-factor players to turn up and thrive on the big stage, and there is no bigger player in this Serbian roster than Yvonne Anderson. As if her leadership were not crucial enough, it is her contributions going forward and her ability to get tough buckets that truly spark the Serbian team to life.

In the opening game against Puerto Rico, the veteran guard contributed 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists. She further excelled in the following game next match with 15 points, while also grabbing 4 rebounds and dishing out 6 assists. Overall, Anderson will need to be at her best on Saturday to help her team overcome higher-ranked Spaniards.

Spain has plenty of key players going forward, but Aces’ Megan Gustafson is absolutely vital in the team and will have to be even more so if her side makes a win against the gritty Serbians. With the wings likely to be space for her to attack, she could be an effective figure in this match for Spain.