With the European Championships now under a week away, Spain have a single warm-up game left to prepare for the finals in Germany. Northern Ireland will provide the further test ahead of the nation’s opening clash with Croatia in a week’s time; we can expect better look at how La Roja will shape up in the tournament.
Since the timely, if you chose to be critical - demolition job on Andorra; Luis De La Fuente has been forced to cut his squad from 29 to 26 players - spelling the end of Aleix Garcia, Pau Cubarsí and Marcos Llorente in the group.
Pau Cubarsí, 17 is a breakout star among Spanish football, with the Spain coach finding it particularly difficult to leave him out. "I feel like I've been unfair with Cubarsi", He said after announcing his final squad on Friday - "But I have been fair with those who are in the squad. I rate Pau highly, but I also rate those who are staying.” He added
Cubarsí and Garcia were in from the start last time out in Badajoz; with the young defender even picking up an assist before being replaced at the halfway point. While Marcos Llorente was not involved at all.
Northern Ireland will travel to Mallorca for their first match of the international period, with an absence from the EUROs making it less urgent to cram games in before the impending 14th of June opening ceremony.
The Norn Green had moments in EURO qualifying; an applaudable victory over Denmark in November amongst them, but ultimately fell short of the playoffs; with an unfortunate nine points.
The Green and White Army left off in optimism however, a win over Scotland at Hampden gave them something to cheer about as they watch from home for a fourth straight international tournament.
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Team news
A casualty-free Wednesday evening means that Dani Olmo remains the only player sidelined for De La Fuente; but his presence in the squad following the cut reflects an upcoming return to action.
Jesús Navas managed 45 minutes from the bench against Andorra despite missing the end of the season through thigh injury; safely putting him in contention.
Michael O’Neil will have a fully fit squad for a big test with Spain, but did mention in Friday’s press conference that the match may come too soon for forward Dion Charles who has only just recovered from a reoccurring knee problem for Bolton at the conclusion of the season.
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Likely lineups
Spain
Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Vivan, Grimaldo; Pedri, Rodri, Merino; Williams, Perez, Morata
Northern Ireland
Peakcock-Farrell; Spencer, Evans, Toal, Ballard, Hume; S Charles, Evans, Bradley; Price, Magennis
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Key players
Spain - Mikel Merino
With Aleix Garcia not making it into the final 26-man EURO squad, Mikel Merino will likely be given the opportunity to start on Saturday evening.
Imanol implements Merino in a role that De La Fuente will look to mirror in his own 4-3-3 system, even having the option to pair him with clubmate Ricardo Zubimendi. The duo have been standouts for the San Sebastian outfit, evading high press and creating countless opportunities on the turnover throughout the campaign.
Merino has become a different player since an underwhelming patch at Newcastle, with Imanol turning a bit-part midfielder in the northeast into one that can become a mainstay in his nation’s midfield.
Northern Ireland - Conor Bradley
Conor Bradley announced himself to the world with a shining performance over Chelsea in January, but the Norn Green have been aware of the 20-year-old for a good while longer than the rest of us, making his senior debut all the way back in May of 2021 against Malta in a stadium still empty with COVID restrictions.
With his rise in club football Bradley has now been deployed in a midfield three for his country, not wanting to miss out on the creativity that has shone through for Jurgen Klopp.
The defender-turned-midfielder certainly can catch La Roja out in Mallorca and should be monitored closely as Spain look to make it two clean sheets on the spin.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
Estadi Mallorca Son Moix is the venue for Saturday's friendly match, home of RCD Mallorca.
What time is kick-off?
Spain vs Northern Ireland will be underway at 8:30pm (BST)
How can I watch?
The match is available to be streamed on Premier Sports 2 in the UK & Ireland with coverage beginning of the clash starting at 8:20pm (BST)
