World Cup Qualification Europe - Spain vs Liechtenstein

World Cup Qualification Europe - Spain vs Liechtenstein

September 05, 2016 19:45pm - Estadio Municipal Reino de León

World Cup Qualification - Group G

Spain will begin competitive life under their new regime on Monday night when recently-appointed Head Coach Julen Lopetegui leads his side out for the first match of their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Spain eyeing return to the top under new leader

Having dropped to No. 8 in the world rankings, Spain will look to revive their fortunes under the guidance of new boss Julen Lopetegui. The 2010 World Champions, who also won back to European Championships in 2001 and 2012, appeared to lose their spark under veteran boss Vicente de Bosque and it was clear that a change was required.

The Spanish FA have decided to put their faith in the man who spent five years coaching in the youth ranks of the national team before spending a little under two years in club management at Porto. The Basque-born coach led Spain to a 2-0 victory in his first friendly game in charge against Belgium earlier this week.

La Furia Roja will kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against 182nd-ranked Liechtenstein in a group that also contains Italy, Albania, Israel, and Macedonia. It is widely expected that the Spain and Italy will battle it out for the top two spots in the group. Coincidentally, it was the Italians who ended Spain`s Euro 2016 adventure, subjecting them to a 2-0 defeat at the Round of 16 stage. It was that defeat that probably convinced Del Bosque to call it a day at the age of 65.

As usual, Spain have an excess of quality to call upon, the only question will be whether the new boss can successfully assemble a balanced machine from the high quality parts at his disposal.

Meanwhile, lowly Liechtenstein can be expected to finish at the foot of Group G as they go in search of their first World Cup qualifying win since their 3-0 victory over Luxembourg 11 years ago.

Spain possible XI: De Gea Martinez, Pique, Ramos, Alba Mata, Busquets, Koke Silva, Morata, Nolito

Liechtenstein possible XI: Jehle Rechsteiner, Polverino, Kaufmann, Burgmeier Wieser Hasler, Christen, Martin Buchel, Salanovic Marcel Buchel.

Recent form (All competitions)

Spain: WLLWW

Liechtenstein: LLLLD

Betting odds and tips

Spain will be massive favourites to win this game, so punters will do well to find any value in the betting market. With a big score-line expected, the Over Goals market could provide some opportunities.

You can back Over 4.5 Goals at evens with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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02/09/2016     © Frixo 2024