Luis de la Fuente knows just how significant a victory would be for his Spain side this Thursday when they host Scotland in their Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
Spain sit six points off leaders Scotland, albeit with a game in hand, and would take another large step towards qualification with three points in midweek. They will have one eye on Norway just two points behind them, however, with the Scandinavian nation facing bottom of the group Cyprus in their next clash.
The recent UEFA Nations League champions will also be out for revenge. Scotland won the reverse fixture at Hampden Park 2-0 back in March, a result which led to Manchester City midfielder Rodri labelling Steve Clarke’s brand of football as “rubbish”. There is likely to be no love lost come Thursday.
Here is how De La Fuente could line up his Spain side to take on Scotland.
GK: Unai Simon – Called up alongside Kepa Arrizabalaga and David Raya and remains De La Fuente’s first choice in goal. He started both games in September and should feature again this Thursday.
RB: Dani Carvajal – The Real Madrid defender provided two assists in the 6-0 thrashing of Cyprus and is one of the more experienced plyers in a relatively young Spain side. Continues to show his attacking and defensive prowess at 31 years old.
CB: Robin Le Normand – The centre-back has been impressive for Real Sociedad this season while also featuring in both of Spain’s emphatic September victories. In line to make just his fifth national team appearance against Scotland.
LB: Alejandro Balde – Jose Gaya’s injury means the young Barcelona defender is set to start at left-back. The 19-year-old has already made six first-team appearances for Spain after blossoming in Catalonia.
CM: Gavi – The ever-impressive Barcelona youngster scored his fourth Spain goal against Cyprus and has already managed 23 caps at just 19 years old. Such is his quality, he is already a guaranteed starter.
CM: Rodri – Man City have missed Rodri’s influence in midfield, losing all three of the games he was suspended for in domestic competitions. Spain will be happy to welcome him back, although he may be on the end of some tasty challenges from the Scotland players after his comments back in March.
CM: Mikel Merino – Another Sociedad star in the Spain squad, the former Newcastle United midfielder scored his first goal for Spain against Cyprus during his 17th cap. Merino can provide a steady presence in midfield against a narrow Scotland side that likes to flood the centre of the pitch with bodies.
RW: Ferran Torres – It’s hard to believe Torres is still only 23. Bagged a brace against Cyprus and recently scored the winner in Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Porto. Always good for a goal and has consistently proved himself for the national team.
ST: Alvaro Morata – Scored a hat-trick against Georgia in a 7-1 thrashing in September and has been in promising form for Atletico Madrid. Netted a brace in the Madrid derby a few weeks back and also grabbed another double against Feyenoord in the Champions League.
LW: Nico Williams – The young Athletic Club winger is likely to start, especially given Lamine Yamal may be suffering with a minor muscular injury. Williams has already scored two in ten national team appearances.
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