Spain vs. Luxembourg UEFA Euro Cup Qualifiers - Stream, Preview, Predictions, Lineups, Schedule
Spain will look to qualify for the Euro 2016 when it takes on Luxembourg on Friday.
The defending European champions need one of three combinations to move on to the big tournament next summer. The easy way would be a win over Luxembourg at home. By most accounts that would be the more likely route to qualification as well.
Luxembourg has just one win in eight tries in this tournament and was beaten by Spain 4-0 on its home pitch.
However Luxembourg does have one draw in this tournament as well, and it is possible that the team shuts down the often underwhelming Spanish attack.
A tie could still prove vital for Spain as a draw coupled with a loss or tie by the Ukrainians would be enough to put La Roja through to the tournament.
It is unlikely that Spain loses this game, but if it does, then it will also need the Ukrainians to lose to clinch the spot in the France next summer.
Whatever the case, it is clear that Spain's chances of missing out are minimal to none. What will be of greater interest, however, is how this team comports itself offensively. Paco Alcacer could get a shot to become the main man up top in the absence of Diego Costa. The Chelsea forward was not called up due to a recent suspension. Alcacer actually has more goals than Costa for Spain, but Vicente del Bosque seems adamant at getting Costa to work for Spain's offense. Alcacer has scored four goals in the red uniform, but he might have competition from Alvaro Morata who is seen by many to be the future at the forward position. Morata, like Alcacer, is also 22 and has been dynamic for Juventus.
There may be some debutants in this qualifier including Xabier Etxeita and Mario Gaspar Pérez; both players were called up for Spain for the first time ever. Thiago Alcantara could get his sixth cap for the national side while Nolito looks to get his third cap for the national side.
Sergio Ramos was not called up for Spain on this occasion, but his Real Madrid teammate Nacho Fernandez is going to be in the squad. However it is more likely Mikel San Jose or Marc Bartra get the start alongside Gerard Pique at center back.
Prediction: Spain wins 5-0.
The game starts at 2:45 p.m. EST and can be seen on ESPN 3.
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