World Cup warm up: Hosts hoping to exploit shaky Spain set-up

The afternoon kick-off at the World Cup this Sunday sees Spain take on Russia, with La Roja the strong favourites to end the hosts dreams of reaching the last eight.

There’s little doubt that in terms of the quality at each coach’s disposal, Russia simply can’t compete so they will call upon what is a significant home advantage to unsettle their esteemed opponents.

Spain have been very hit and miss to this stage after all, with some typically free-flowing football at times offset by some nervy and uncharacteristic mistakes at the back. If the home fans can create a hostile atmosphere that may be the best way to ensure the latter theme of their opponents campaign continues.

It’s Russia who actually earned more points and scored more goals in the group stages, despite finishing second in Group A while Spain stole top spot in Group B, and they will look for chances on the counter and from set pieces to find the breakthrough.

With that in mind the return to the side following a rest for Aleksandr Golovin will be a huge boost, and his battle to come out on top in the creative stakes with Isco will be one to watch.

The Real Madrid man is the one Spain player to have lived up to expectations to date and will be vital to breaking through a stubborn Russia defence and deep midfield block.

Elsewhere David De Gea is set to keep his place in goal despite reports to the contrary last week, though there could be a first start for Marco Asensio from the right.

Russia will be without the suspended Igor Smolnikov but Mario Fernandes would have taken his place regardless, with the main selection dilemma between Artem Dzyuba and Fedor Smolov up front. The latter has lost his place to the former but scored twice in a friendly meeting between the two sides last year and will hope that plays in his favour.