Spain play Russia away in an International Friendly
Kick-off : 9:45 PM (Local)
Venue : Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg
Both teams have qualified for the world cup and will take this game as an opportunity to prepare for the event. Russia are obviously the hosts for next summers tournament.
Spain thrashed Costa Rica on Saturday night in the first of their two friendlies in this international break. Spain won that game 5-0.
Whereas Russia lost in their friendly against Argentina on Saturday. They lost that game 0-1. So will not be that confident ahead of this clash.
Spain have been undefeated in 15 games so far. Under Lopetegui they have been performing well and have won their last six fixtures.
So far Spain and Russia have played each other five times. Out of that Spain have 4 times while Russia 0, one game have ended in a draw.
But it should be a good game on Tuesday as both teams will give their all.
Team news and possible line-ups
Artem Dzyuba will not be available for Tuesday’s game against Spain. While Smolnikov and Dzagoev are expected to be given a place in the starting XI.
As for Spain, Asensio, Niguez and Aspas might be given a place in the starting XI for Tuesday’s game. While Bartra, Vitolo and Nacho are also available and could be given a start.
Russia XI : Akinfeev, Smolnikov, Kudryashov, Vasin, Dzhikiya, Zhirkov, Glushakov, Dzagoev, Kombarov, Kokorin, Smolov.
Spain XI : De Gea, Ramos, Alba, Nacho, Bartra, Busquets, Asensio, Alcantara, Silva, Morata, Vitolo.
Prediction
While it’s not a given that Spain will win on Tuesday night, they certainly are the favorites. I expect Spain to win against Russia. The scoreline could be 1-0.
