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Spain need win over Slovakia to assure Euro 2016 hopes

Xinhua, September 4, 2015 Adjust font size:

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is likely to use the Chelsea collection when he side play their key qualifying game for the 2016 European Championships on Saturday night.

The Spanish entertain Slovakia in Oviedo knowing that a win over the Slovaks would go a long way towards taking them to the leadership of their qualifying group, but that a defeat could leave them looking over their shoulder.

Slovakia are the only team who have beaten Spain in qualifying with a 2-1 win a year ago and have a 100 percent record in qualifying with 18 points from 6 games, whereas the Spanish have 15 points from the same number of games: three more than the Ukraine, who are third in the group.

Del Bosque had few surprises in the squad he named a week ago, although he did give a return to striker Diego Costa, who subsequently commented he was 'in debt' with his adopted country.

The Brazilian born forward is likely to have a chance to repay that debt on Saturday as Del Bosque looks likely to pair him with former Barcelona forward, Pedro Rodriguez, who is now Costa's clubmate after joining Chelsea in the summer.

Cesc Fabrigas in midfield is likely to finish the Chelsea trident in the Spain side.

With David de Gea not having played for Manchester United all summer, Iker Casillas will continue in goal, while the defense also has a familiar look with Jordi Alba, Juanfran, Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos all starting.

The rest of the side also has a familiar feel with Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and David Silva all likely to start.

Despite losing to Slovakia a year ago the Spanish will be favorite, but goals have been a problem for Del Bosque's side in recent matches and the coach will hope that the Pedro-Costa combination, which has already been effective in England, continues to work in Spain. Endi