In the second fixture of the Euro 2016 qualifiers, the two leaders of Group C will meet. Both Spain and Slovakia won their initial game. With some talented players in different positions, the Slovaks shouldn’t be seen as a weak team. On top of that, they play at home, which gives them a chance to make Spain very uncomfortable. It won’t be as easy as against Macedonia.
Preferred Formation: 4-3-3/4-5-1
We already know Spain’s signature style. The system is a sort of hybrid between the 4-3-3 and 4-5-1, since the wingers aren’t usually too close to the box. Contrary to what Ronaldo or Neymar would do, these players come from further back. With Busquets serving as the defensive midfielder, the rest are there to make the rival dizzy and feed the striker.
GK: Iker Casillas
He’s still the captain and there’s no doubt that he will play. His time in La Roja isn’t over yet. He’s kept a clean sheet in his last two La Liga games, and he’s going to try to deliver good performances during this break.
RB: Dani Carvajal
This is one of the tough spots to decide. Both Juanfran and Carvajal are going through a good moment. Del Bosque could pick any of the two. We’ll go with Carvajal, since he couldn’t debut officially because of an injury.
CB: Gerard Piqué
He’s not going through a great moment. Often benched by Luis Enrique and immersed in a political controversy, there’s still a good chance that he will play. Del Bosque has always defended him, and it looks like he’ll give him a shot.
CB: Raúl Albiol
Started the last match against Macedonia and did well. Ramos left the squad because of injury, so he has everything to replace him. He’s played all his matches for Napoli, while Bartra hasn’t.
LB: Jordi Alba
This is another tough decision, but Alba always performs at a high level. He provides strength in defense and a surprise element in attack. On top of that, he’s more used to his teammates on the pitch than Azpilicueta.
RCM: Koke
After Xavi’s retirement from the national team, Koke has been chosen as the replacement. The Atlético player is growing into an excellent player, and he has been a good fit in Del Bosque’s system.
CM: Sergio Busquets
Even when Xabi Alonso played for La Roja, Busquets had gained importance. He’s key in the role of recovering the ball. In a system that requires you to win possession, his work is extremely important.
LCM: Cesc Fàbregas
Mourinho has given him the chance to be reborn. The Cesc we saw at Arsenal was a world-class player, and now at Chelsea, he’s starting to show that again. Iniesta could easily start instead of him, yet it seems Cesc has the upper hand.
RW: David Silva
He was phenomenal against Macedonia. He knows his teammates from memory and can always find spaces for them to attack. In the great repertoire of players up front, he has something that always makes a difference.
RW: Pedro Rodríguez
Went from decent to good in the last Spain match. He hasn’t played as regularly as he should at Barcelona this season. However, with a true striker lining up now, instead of a false #9, his work from the wing will be essential.
ST: Diego Costa
Paco Alcácer did a great job on his debut. While many want the young Valencian to be Spain’s striker, you can’t overlook Costa’s season. A man with nine goals in seven Premier League matches is one that Del Bosque will want.
LW: David Silva
He was phenomenal against Macedonia. He knows his teammates from memory and can always find spaces for them to attack. In the great repertoire of players up front, he has something that always makes a difference.
