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Matchday 2 · · Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán

Spain vs Croatia: lineups

Spain
Croatia

Predicted lineups Spain vs Croatia

Spain 4-2-3-1
23 Simón
24 Cucurella
14 Laporte
22 Cubarsí
2 Pubill
20 Pedri or Ruiz
16 Rodri
15 Baena
10 Olmo
19 Yamal
21 Oyarzabal or Torres

Predicted lineup for Spain: Simón, Cucurella, Laporte, Cubarsí, Pubill, Pedri, Rodri, Baena, Olmo, Yamal, Oyarzabal

Croatia 4-2-3-1
1 Livaković
14 Perišić
4 Gvardiol
22 Vušković
2 Stanišić
8 Kovačić
10 Modrić
16 Ivanović or Vlašić
17 Sučić
21 Sučić or Pašalić
20 Matanović or Budimir

Predicted lineup for Croatia: Livaković, Perišić, Gvardiol, Vušković, Stanišić, Kovačić, Modrić, Ivanović, Sučić, Sučić, Matanović

Last updated:

Spain

Luis de la Fuente could make several changes against Croatia following the 3-2 victory over England. Eric García has left the squad because of a knee problem and has been replaced by Robin Le Normand, while Pedro Porro had already withdrawn through injury. Marc Pubill therefore has another chance to start at right-back. Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte could continue in central defence, with Marc Cucurella on the left.

Rodri and Fabián Ruiz remain strong candidates to start in midfield. Álex Baena could return after Nico Williams was preferred against England, while Dani Olmo is expected to operate behind the striker. Ferran Torres is again in contention to lead the attack, with Lamine Yamal on the right. However, De la Fuente has several options to rotate during this demanding run of Nations League fixtures.

Croatia

Slaven Bilić started his second spell as Croatia head coach with a 2-1 victory away to the Czech Republic. He could retain much of the same team against Spain, although he has already indicated that the short recovery period will force him to consider changes. Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić again formed the experienced heart of midfield in Prague and remain key figures going into the match in Seville.

Luka Vušković could continue alongside Joško Gvardiol in central defence, with Josip Stanišić on the right and Ivan Perišić operating as an attacking left-back. Petar and Luka Sučić are both in contention to start further forward. Franjo Ivanović could operate from the flank, while Igor Matanović remains a strong candidate to lead the line. Bilić also revealed on Monday that two players were feeling unwell, meaning late changes remain possible.

Players to watch

The five players from each team with the most combined goals and assists for their club this season.

Spain

  1. Lamine Yamal Barcelona 8 goals 6 assists
  2. Ferran Torres PSG 7 goals 0 assists
  3. Roberto Fernández Espanyol 6 goals 0 assists
  4. Fermín López Barcelona 4 goals 2 assists
  5. Álex Baena Atletico Madrid 4 goals 1 assists

Croatia

  1. Ante Budimir Osasuna 5 goals 0 assists
  2. Igor Matanovic SC Freiburg 4 goals 2 assists
  3. Luka Sučić Real Sociedad 3 goals 0 assists
  4. Ivan Perišić PSV 2 goals 1 assists
  5. Joško Gvardiol Manchester City 1 goals 2 assists

Playing time and form

Who has played the most in recent weeks, and how have they performed?

Spain

Player Starts Min. Form
Unai Simón 1/1 90 mixed
Pau Cubarsí 1/1 90 mixed
Aymeric Laporte 1/1 90 solid
Marc Cucurella 1/1 90 solid
Rodri 1/1 90 strong
Lamine Yamal 1/1 90 excellent
Marc Pubill 0/1 90 mixed
Dani Olmo 1/1 82 excellent

Croatia

Player Starts Min. Form
Dominik Livaković 1/1 90 poor
Josip Stanišić 1/1 90 solid
Luka Vušković 1/1 90 mixed
Joško Gvardiol 1/1 90 solid
Ivan Perišić 1/1 90 strong
Mateo Kovačić 1/1 90 strong
Petar Sučić 1/1 88 mixed
Luka Modrić 1/1 76 excellent

Frequently asked questions

When will the lineup for Spain vs Croatia be announced?

Predicted lineups will appear on this page a few days before the match. Confirmed teams usually follow around an hour before kick-off, scheduled for .

What formation do Spain play?

Spain have used a 4-2-3-1 formation in their last 1 matches under Luis de la Fuente.

What formation do Croatia play?

Croatia have used a 4-2-3-1 formation in their last 1 matches under Bilić.

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