Spain vs Norway Match Preview, Team News, Lineups
Spain start their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a home match against Norway at Mestalla Stadium, in Valencia, Spain, on Saturday night (IST).
What competition it is? UEFA Euro Qualifiers
Teams: Spain and Norway
Kick Off: Saturday 24 March
Match Timing: 01:15 AM (IST)
Where the game is played? Mestalla Stadium (55,000)
TV Info: Ten Sports Network has the rights to stream UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers in India.
Spain are aiming to reach their seventh consecutive Euro with the hope the current crop of players is good enough to win a third European title in four years.
No doubt La Roja are favorite to qualify from their group as a winner, and they will also start as tournament favorites as well. But the 2010 world champions have gone through a lot of changes in recent times, especially the players from the golden generation, the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Casillas, Fabregas and Gerard Pique, have either hanged up their boots entirely or have taken international retirement.
There’s no denying the fact that Spain have been poor in recent years. They have been so for quite some time now. Their fading power definitely coincides with the retirement of star players.
However, even then, La Roja were not expected to exit the World Cup at the group stage in Russia. The rot seemed to continue even after that as England pipped them in the UEFA Nations League.
It’s all about rebuilding now for manager Luis Enrique. He has flirted with the squad of late, which suggests that the former Barcelona manager is still trying to find his best 11.
Norway, meanwhile, haven’t made to the European Championship since 2000. But that was also the only time in their history, so the achievement was quite incredible to say the least. But for a team which has so many talented players on their roster, it certainly feels an underachievement.
The visitors have a remarkable UEFA Nations League campaign as they topped their group in League C. As a result, Lars Lagerbäck’s men successful managed to qualify for League B.
However, it’s still a tough ask for Norway to qualify from their group. Spain are an outright favorite to win the group, while Sweden are expected to round off the 2nd place.
Recent form (Last six matches)
Spain – W W W L L W
Norway – W L W W D W
ESP vs NOR Dream11 TEAM NEWS: Injuries and Suspensions
Spain vs Norway Team News:
Spain:
Injured – The squad Gareth Southgate named for the upcoming two games is not the same as some of the stars had to pull out due to their injuries. Luke Shaw, John Stones, Fabian Delph, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all returned to their club. While Trent-Alexander Arnold also pulled out of the squad due to an ankle injury.
While the biggest setback is Marcus Rashford also withdrew from Spain’s squad due to an ankle injury.
Suspended – None.
Questionable – Midfielder Jordan Henderson missed Liverpool’s last game against Fulham due to an ankle injury he suffered in the 2nd leg against Bayern Munich. He remains questionable.
Note: Harry Kane is expected to lead the line for the Three Lions, while Raheem Sterling should provide more attacking threat from the wings. If Henderson fails to recover from his injury, Declan Rice is a good option in the midfield. While there is Eric Dier but he has had a stop-start season for Tottenham Hotspur.
Key Players – Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford
Norway:
Injured – As for Norway, Tomas Vaclik is the only injury casualty at the moment.
Suspended – None.
Questionable – Borek Dockal is carrying a knock and will be assessed ahead of the match.
Note: With the first-choice goalkeeper Tomas vaclik out, either of Jiri Pavlenka or Tomas Koubek will be asked to deputize between the posts.
Versatile defender Theodor Gebre Selassie, who can play anywhere at the back, is expected to play as a left-back, while Matej Vydra should come on the right wing. While captain Borek Dockal is a doubt and if that remains the case, Hertha Berlin’s Vladimir Darida is expected to fill-in.
Key Players – Schick, Pavelka, Dockal
ESP vs NOR Dream11 Playing 11 – (Probable) –
Spain– Pickford (GK), Walker, Keane, Maguire, Chilwell, Barkley, Rice, Alli, Sancho, Sterling, Keane
Norway– Pavlenka (GK), Selassie, Kalas, Celustka, Kaderabek, Soucek, Jankto, Pavelka, Dockal, Vydra, Schick
ESP vs NOR Dream11 TEAM:
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