Host nation Russia will continue their preparations for next summer's World Cup by going head-to-head with Spain in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday.
Stanislav Cherchesov’s side turned in a dogged performance against Argentina on Saturday afternoon, but a late goal from Sergio Aguero denied them a draw. Jorge Sampaoli’s charges were certainly the better team and could easily have scored more than one goal, but there were also positives to take from Russia’s display against one of the favourites to go all the way and lift the trophy next summer. Football fans in the country are not exactly enamoured with the national team right now, but another resolute showing in this upcoming friendly would help relations no end.
Spain encountered few difficulties in their World Cup qualifying campaign, topping a tricky group which featured Italy, Albania, Israel, Macedonia and Liechtenstein after amassing 28 points from a possible 30. La Roja were the first team to be eliminated from the tournament in Brazil three years ago, but they look revitalised under Julen Lopetegui and will take some stopping next summer. It is still not entirely clear what their strongest XI is, however, so friendlies such as this one will be vital for the former Porto head coach.
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Russia opted for a 5-4-1 formation last time out and may continue with the same shape for the visit of Spain. Alan Dzagoev, Igor Smolnikov, Yuri Zhirkov and Alexandr Erokhin could come into the team from the start, while Igor Akinfeev is likely to be a busy man between the sticks. The hosts are unlikely to see much of the ball and will instead look to cause problems on the counter-attack and from set-piece situations.
Koke, Pedro Rodriguez, Cesar Azpilicueta, Nolito, Gerard Deulofeu, Dani Carvajal and Sergi Roberto were among those left out of the Spain squad for the current international break, with Italy-based duo Suso and Luis Alberto both called up having never won a cap at senior level before this month. There is experience in Lopetegui’s group, too: Sergio Busquets, Sergio Ramos, Andres Iniesta, David Silva, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba all looks set to be involved here.
The Russians will be desperate to give their supporters something to cheer and raise optimism levels ahead of next year's tournament, but Spain will probably have too much quality for them at the Stadion Krestovskyi.
