Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Spain could line up for Thursday’s Euro 2024 qualifying Group A clash with Cyprus.
Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alejandro Grimaldo is in line to make his Spain debut when La Roja take on Cyprus in their penultimate Euro 2024 qualifying Group A tie on Thursday.
Sitting pretty at the top of the section with 15 points under their belt, Luis de la Fuente‘s team have booked their tickets to Germany and are now vying for first place with Scotland, who are only being kept at bay on goal difference for the time being.
With preliminary placements affecting the seedings for the group-stage draw, La Roja ought to put out a powerful XI in Limassol, but De la Fuente is noticeably bereft of options on the left-hand side of defence.
All of Alejandro Balde, Fran Garcia and Juan Bernat are absent – as is Aymeric Laporte – while Jose Gaya has made the cut but may not be risked owing to a minor fitness problem.
As a result, Grimaldo will surely be considered for a full debut on account of his fast start to life with Bayer Leverkusen, while Dani Carvajal will likely deny Jesus Navas a 50th appearance from the first whistle.
With Laporte missing, Aston Villa’s Pau Torres appears the most likely candidate to start alongside Robin Le Normand in the rearguard, who will be offered protection by one-man midfield screen Rodri.
Barcelona starlet Gavi scored the goal which sealed Spain’s spot at Euro 2024 against Norway last month, and the former Kopa Trophy winner is in line for another midfield start, potentially alongside Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino.
No Ansu Fati could open the door for Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal to impress in the final third, while captain Alvaro Morata seeks to draw level with David Silva on 35 goals for the national team, which would put the pair in a tie for fourth place.
Spain possible starting lineup: Simon; Carvajal, Torres, Le Normand, Grimaldo; Merino, Rodri, Gavi; Yamal, Morata, Oyarzabal
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