Spain face Costa Rica in the first round of the World Cup group stages.
Luis Enrique will most likely start Manchester City’s Rodrigo alongside club teammate Aymeric Laporte in the centre of Spain’s defensive line. Relying on quick, accurate and exquisite passing, the Asturian coach will be expecting Gavi and Pedri to help unlock Costa Rica’s defence and pass the ball to the forwards in key areas of the pitch.
Alongside Costa Rica, Spain are also in a group with Germany and Japan. La Roja are favourites to progress to the knock-out stages alongside Germany, meaning winning this fixture will be key if Spain want to stand a realistic chance of making the round of last 16 of the competition.
Predicted Spain lineup against Costa Rica
AS predict that Luis Enrique will field the following starting XI against Costa Rica: Unai Simón – Marcos Llorente, Rodri, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba – Gavi, Sergio Busquets, Pedri – Ferran Torres, Álvaro Morata, Pablo Sarabia.
The match is set to kick off at 5.00 pm CET.
GSFN | Tom Cserép
