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Asensio And Isco To Start – Strongest 4-3-3 Spain Line-up To Face Albania In The WC Qualifiers

Predicted Spain Line-up To Face Albania In The WC Qualifiers

Spain will look go a step closer towards confirming their spot for the FIFA World Cup in Russia next year, when they clash against Albania this coming Friday.

La Roja beat Italy 3-0 in a convincing manner last month, before absolutely thrashing Liechtenstein 8-0 a few days later. Sitting atop their group, with a three-point lead over the Italians, they need 4 points from the remaining two games to confirm their finish as table toppers.

Team News

Star striker Alvaro Morata is unavailable for Julen Lopetegui for the coming games along with right-back Dani Carvajal and midfielder Andres Iniesta. Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz, Real Sociedad full-back Alvaro Odriozola and Las Palmas midfielder Jonathan Viera have been called up as replacements.  

Here’s how Spain might line up against Albania on Friday night:

Manager: Julen Lopetegui 

Formation: 4-3-3 

David De Gea (GK) 

The Manchester United shot-stopper has had an excellent start to the new season and deserves to start on Friday for his nation.

Hector Bellerin (RB)

With Dani Carvajal unavailable, Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin is the likeliest to get a starting berth at right-back position against Albania.

Hector Bellerin

Cesar Azpilicueta (CB)

The Chelsea utility man has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, be it at right-back or centre-back. With the recent controversy surrounding Gerard Pique, he might slot in on the right-hand side of the backline.

Sergio Ramos (CB)

The captain of Spain is a pivotal player and an extremely influential presence on the pitch for La Roja. A definite starter on Friday.

Jordi Alba (LB)

Completing the backline for the Spaniards against Albania should be Jordi Alba. The Barcelona man has been on a resurgent run this season and will have an impact going forward.

Koke (CM)

The Atletico Madrid man has been in good form for his club, scoring twice and assisting twice so far. Should start in the midfield.

Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets (CM)

The deepest of the midfield trio, Busquets will be tasked with screening his defence and recycling possession in the middle of the park. 

Thiago Alcantara (CM) 

With Andres Iniesta set to miss out, we might see Thiago Alcantara get a start in the middle of the park for Spain, to provide that creative edge.

Marco Asensio (RW) 

The youngster is easily one of the best in his age group in Europe right now. Would be able to provide sparks on a regular basis and he should start on the right flank.

Marco Asensio
Marco Asensio

Isco (CF)

With Alvaro Morata not available, we might see Lopetegui field Isco in a false-nine role, something which he did against Italy last month, when the Real Madrid man scored a double. 

David Silva (LW)

On the left-hand side of the attacking trident, Manchester City’s creator-in-chief, David Silva is likely to start for the Spaniards on Friday.