Spain v Turkey: Line-ups, stats and preview

Preview for Spain v Turkey

Spain are all but guaranteed to finish top of Group E and cruise into the World Cup but coach Luis de la Fuente says there will be no let-up from his side when they face Turkey tomorrow night.

The European champions’ 4-0 win in Georgia on Saturday means they go into the clash in Seville knowing they can lose by six goals to the Turks and still secure a place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.

Given Spain haven’t lost any of their last 30 games, a new national team record, the chances of that happening are extremely remote.

De la Fuente could be forgiven for leaving out some of his star names, especially with the club versus country row ongoing following the late withdrawal of Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, but he intends to name a strong side.

Speaking today, he said: “We face this game with great responsibility. For prestige, for valuing what we have achieved. We want to continue to be the number one ranked team in the world. 

“We want to keep winning. Soccer players never get tired of winning. There will be no revolution. A competitive team will come out and show respect for the rival. We have to bring out the best to win.”

De la Fuente stressed that everyone who plays tomorrow will deserve the opportunity, adding: “Tomorrow we’re going to select the best team to win. For us it is a very important match and the best will play. There will be no gifts, here people have to earn it. Everyone wants to play and everyone has earned it and has deserved it. They all have the quality to play.”

Turkey are guaranteed second place in the pool and will go into the play-offs in March.

But, like De la Fuente, Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella says tomorrow night’s game is of great importance.

“It’s actually a match that won’t make much difference in the standings, but it’s very important to us,” he said. “Regardless of the lineup, the level of competition is high. We have confidence in all of our players.”

Team News for Spain v Turkey

Dean Huijsen has a groin problem and won’t be considered but is expected to be fit for Real Madrid’s clash with Elche at the weekend.

Yamal joins Rodri, Pedri and Dani Carvajal on the sidelines.

Galatasaray defender Kaan Ayhan is unlikely to be fit for the visitors while Abdulkerim Bardakci and Kerem Akturkoglu missed training yesterday.

Predicted line-ups for Spain v Turkey

Spain: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Merino, Zubimendi, Ruiz; Torres, Pino, Oyarzabal

Turkey: Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Calhanoglu, Kocu; Aydin, Guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu

How to watch Spain v Turkey: TV and online streams

Spain versus Turkey kicks off at 7.45pm UK time tomorrow night. It is not available on UK TV but can be streamed via the Amazon Prime Video PPV service. The game costs £2.49.

Stats for Spain v Turkey

• Spain won the reverse fixture in Istanbul 6-0 in September
• Turkey have not qualified for the World Cup since finishing in third place in Japan and South Korea in 2002
• Turkey have not won any of their last nine meetings with Spain, losing six and drawing three

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