Spain vs. Ukraine: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream and TV Info
Spain will welcome Ukraine to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville on Friday in the fifth round of matches in Euro 2016 qualifying.
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Currently sitting second and third in Group C, respectively, this clash is pivotal for both sides as they chase one of the two guaranteed qualification spots in a group currently being led by the undefeated Slovakia.
For Spain, the biggest team news surrounds striker Diego Costa, who, as reported by Sefutbol (Spain's official website), has been withdrawn from the squad due to a hamstring injury. Fellow forward Paco Alcacer is also missing, having only just returned from an extended injury layoff.
Coming in to cover for the Chelsea and Valencia stars is Malaga forward Juanmi, who joins Sergio Asenjo and Vitolo as debutants in Vicente del Bosque's squad.
However, despite a number of new faces, expect the veteran Spain manager to utilise a familiar lineup on Friday. Marca reported earlier this week that Del Bosque had given a number of hints toward his starting XI in training, using Sergio Busquets and Koke together in a pairing that could form the base of the midfield, while Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and Isco worked as group, suggesting they could play as the "three" in a 4-2-3-1.
Up front, Juventus striker Alvaro Morata is likely to start as the team's No. 9.
Ukraine, meanwhile, also have three new faces as they prepare for a meeting with the European champions.
Replacing injured Dynamo Kyiv midfielder Serhiy Sydorchuk is teammate Serhiy Rybalka, who will be joined in the squad by fellow first-timers Ruslan Malinovskiy and Mykyta Burda, per WhoScored.com.
Of course, Ukraine will start as big outsiders for Friday's clash in Seville, but Mykhaylo Fomenko's side has the capacity to pose a threat to the hosts.
Defensively sound—they've conceded only one goal in four qualifying matches thus far—and quick on the break, the visitors will feel they're capable of staying tight and absorbing pressure from La Roja before hitting them on the counter-attack—just as Slovakia did in October.
Date: Friday, March 27
Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT/3:45 p.m. EDT/8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville