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Lack of experience up front as Spain prepare to face Ukraine in key Euro 2016 clash

Xinhua, March 26, 2015 Adjust font size:

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has a dilemma to make when he picks his side to entertain Ukraine in their Euro 2016 qualifying game in Seville on Friday night.

The tendon injury to Diego Costa has left Del Bosque looking short of experienced strikers and the Spain coach was forced to call up Malaga's young forward, Juanmi on Monday to make up for the absence of the Chelsea forward.

With only Juanmi, Pedro Rodriguez, who is more comfortable playing in a wide role and Alvaro Morata Del Bosque's only out and out strikers, he has to decide whether or not he will play Morata, who has been in fine form since leaving Real Madrid for Juventus last summer, or using Cesc Fabrigas in the 'false 9' role that has been successful in the past.

Everything points to Morata getting his chance in attack and although Del Bosque is keeping his cards close to his chest, several places virtually pick themselves.

There is a question mark over whether Iker Casillas, questioned for his displays with Real Madrid in recent weeks, will keep his place ahead of the in-form David de Gea, although Del Bosque has always remained loyal to Casillas.

Jordi Alba will play at left back and Dani Carvajal on the right as Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos form a central defensive partnership.

It then remains to be seen if Sergio Busquets is able to play after three weeks out with an ankle injury, but the Barcelona midfielder should be fit and will slot in alongside Cesc, David Silva and either Andres Iniesta or Koke in the Spain midfield.

The Spanish go into the game second in their group with three wins and a draw from their four matches. That defeat came against group leaders Slovakia and the Spanish have the same points as Friday's rivals, who also have one defeat.

Although Spain should qualify for the finals, a win at home to a direct rival is important for them to leave a direct rival behind, while a defeat would leave Del Bosque's men needing to take something from their visit to the Ukraine in October. Endi