Luis de la Fuente has already rotated several players in the squad that defeated Norway, signaling a shift in Spain’s approach as they prepare for another Euro 2024 qualifier match. The Spanish national team will play its second group game in the qualifying phase for the European Championship in Germany 2024. After an impressive 3-0 win over Norway, which marked La Roja’s debut under Luis de la Fuente, the team travels to Hampden Park in Glasgow to face Scotland, who earlier dispatched Cyprus with the same scoreline in their opener.
Stay updated on Spain’s progress in the Spain vs. Selection Spain match here.
Several changes for Spain
Against Norway, the coach is expected to tweak the lineup. In defense, David García could return to the starting XI, replacing a partner who sat out the Nordic clash, while Aymeric Laporte would likely slot in. Iñigo Martínez, who did not see minutes in the Norway game, could reclaim his spot. Nacho Fernández might be sacrificed for the new plan. On the left side, José Gayá could start, while Dani Carvajal, Aymeric Laporte and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga would likely line up in a compact defensive block.
Midfield options suggest Rodri Hernández and Mikel Merino forming the double pivot, with Dani Olmo on the left flank and Pablo Gavi on the right. Dani Ceballos, who impressed in the brief minutes against Norway, could feature in the double pivot or be deployed as a half-pinger. Up front, Joselu Mato could be rewarded with more playing time at Hampden Park in a 1-4-2-3-1 system that appears to be the coach’s preferred shape.
Scotland ready to go
Spain will face Steve Clarke’s Scotland with a sense of optimism. The Scottish side opened with a 3-0 victory over Cyprus and boasts players who perform at the highest levels, including Kieran Tierney, a mainstay at Arsenal, Andrew Robertson from the left-back position, Aaron Hickey from Brentford on the wing, and Che Adams in attack. In midfield, players like Stuart Armstrong, Scott McTominay, Ryan Christie, John McGinn, and Callum McGregor add quality that Spain must contend with as they look to control the tempo and minutely exploit space.
The challenge for Scotland is to leverage their strengths and press Spain high, attempting to disrupt the Spanish build-up and force turnovers in dangerous areas. Spain, on the other hand, will aim to balance patient buildup with quick transitions, using the movement of Olmo, Ceballos, and Gavi to unlock the Scottish defensive lines and create decisive scoring opportunities.
ALIGNMENTS OF SCOTLAND VS. SPAIN TEAM
Scotland (1-3-4-3): David Marshall in goal; Kieran Tierney, Grant Hanley, Scott Porteous in defense; Aaron Hickey, Scott McTominay, Callum McGregor, Andrew Robertson in midfield; Che Adams, Stuart Armstrong and Aaron Hickey in attack.
Spain (1-4-2-3-1): Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal; Dani Carvajal, David García, Aymeric Laporte, José Gayá in defense; Rodri, Mikel Merino in midfield; Dani Olmo, Dani Ceballos, Dani Olmo or Nico Williams in attacking midfield; Joselu Mato leading the line.
WHEN AND WHERE IS SCOTLAND VS. SPAIN
THE CALL FOR SCOTLAND VS. SPAIN
SPAIN
Keepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Robert Sánchez and David Raya.
Defenses: José Gayá, Dani Carvajal, Aymeric Laporte, David García, Inigo Martínez, Nacho Fernández and Pedro Porro.
Midfielders: Rodri Hernández, Pablo Gavi, Mikel Merino, Dani Ceballos, Fabian Ruiz and Martin Zubimendi.
Forwards: Álvaro Morata, Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Yeremi Pino, Borja Iglesias, Bryan Gil, Joselu Mato.
INJURED AND MUSPARS AGAINST SCOTLAND USA SPAIN TEAM
SCOTLAND
SPAIN
SCHEDULE AND WHERE SCOTLAND VS. SPAIN
Spain’s last matches
Spain’s next matches
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