Spain aim to book a place in the Qatar World Cup knockout rounds by defeating Germany on Sunday. Last Word on Football predicts the Spanish lineup for the Group E match against Die Mannschaft.
Spain Predicted Lineup vs Germany
📸 Si el buen ambiente y el trabajo duro se pudiesen expresar por medio de fotografías, yo creo que sería más o menos así.#VamosEspaña | #Catar2022 pic.twitter.com/8eSBUeDCD1
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) November 26, 2022
How Spain Have Lined Up Recently
Luis Enrique has been forced to tweak his Spain team this year due to a lack of a traditional no.9. He’s reverted to playing a very flexible, rotating front-three in his patent 4-3-3 formation. It’s a system that has brought the Spanish manager so much success across his managerial career. After their impressive performances in the 7-0 mauling of Costa Rica in the World Cup opener, Ferran Torres, Marco Asensio and Dani Olmo can be expected to be retained for this major game against Germany.
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In midfield, Sergio Busquets is a highly trusted option for Enrique – having worked with him since his days as Barcelona manager. Midfielders Pedri and Gavi have also solidified themselves as regulars for the Spanish national team since emerging with the Catalan giants.
Interestingly, Enrique appears to be content with playing Manchester City midfielder Rodri as a centre-back alongside Aymeric Laporte. Spain are expected to retain their possession-heavy style in the upcoming games and these players are all more than capable of pulling that off.
Spain Recent Form and Tactics
Spain made a statement of intent in their opening game of the Qatar World Cup, demolishing Costa Rica 7-0. No other team in the competition has been able to match that kind of result, with the Spanish side proving that they are more than capable of winning the competition with this current squad.
La Roja have been in pretty solid form in the year 2022, winning six out of the 10 games they’ve played across all competitions. They’re currently on a three-game winning streak and look to have headed into the World Cup firing on all cylinders. Enrique also appears to have properly installed his philosophy into the team, with Spain playing possession-based, fluid attacking football under him again.
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They are not dependent on any single player and every one is responsible for creating the attacking moves. It starts all the way from the backline, with goalkeeper Unai Simon also adept at kick-starting chances. Pedri and Gavi are heavily involved in creating chances through the midfield, while the frontline is very flexible and able to move all around the final third.
Spain dominated 82% of the possession against Costa Rica. Once they get the ball, it is difficult to win it off them because of how comfortable every player is in passing their way out of trouble. They will look to frustrate Germany using their patient, incisive attacking moves and sneak a win to end their opponent’s World Cup hopes.
Spain Injuries to Consider
Spain suffered an issue before the World Cup began as their left-back Jose Gaya had to be withdrawn from the squad after suffering an injury in training. He has since been replaced by Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde. Apart from that, however, La Roja have no injury issues in their squad, and Enrique has a lot of options to choose from for the games ahead.
Spain Predicted Lineup
Unai Simon, Cesar Azpilicueta, Rodri, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Marco Asensio
