A preview of Spain th Turkey
Spain are all but guaranteed to finish top of Group E and travel to the World Cup but coach Luis de La Fuente says there will be no concessions from his side when they face Turkey tomorrow.
The European Champions’ 4-0 win in Georgia on Saturday means they go into the clash in Seville knowing they could lose six goals to the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Given Spain have yet to lose any of their last 30 matches, a new national team record, the chances of that happening are not too far off.
De La Fuente could be forgiven for leaving out some of his star names, especially with Club Versus Country Row following the withdrawal of Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, but he intends to name a strong side.
Speaking today, he said: “We face this game with a great responsibility. Hopefully, we get to appreciate what we have achieved for one of the lowest-ranked teams in the world.
“We want to keep winning. Football players never get tired of winning. There will be no renewal. A competitive team will come out and bring out the best in winning.”
De La Fuente insisted that everyone who plays tomorrow will deserve the opportunity, adding: “Tomorrow we will choose the best team to win. Everyone will get it.”
Turkey is the second guaranteed spot in the pool and will enter the playoffs in March.
But, like De La fuente, Turkey boss Vinckenza Montella says tomorrow night’s game is very important.
It’s actually a game that won’t make a big difference in the standings, but it’s very important for us,” he said. “Regardless of what it is, the level of competition is high. We trust all our players.”
Spain v turkey team news
Dean Huijsen has a groin problem and will be ruled out but is expected to be fit for Real Madrid’s clash with Elche at the weekend.
Yamal joins Rodri, Pedri and Dani Carvajal in the sidelines.
Galatasaray Defender kaan Ayhan is likely to be fit for the visitors while Abdulkerim Bardakci and Kerem Akturkoglu missed training yesterday.
Spain v turkey predicted line
Spain: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laphorte, Cucurella; Merino, Zubimendi, Ruiz; Torres, Pino, Oyarzabal
Turkey: Cakir; Celik, demiral, bardakci, kadioglu; Calhanoglu, Kocu; Aydin, guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu
How to watch Spain v Turkey: TV and streams online
The Spain Version kicks off at 7.45pm UK tomorrow night. It is not available on UK TV but can be streamed via the Amazon Prime Video PPV Service. The game costs £2.49.
Spain v Turkey statistics
- Spain won the overhaul in Istanbul 6-0 in September
- Turkey has not qualified for the World Cup since finishing third in Japan and South Korea in 2002
- Turkey are winless in their last nine meetings with Spain, losing six and drawing three
