Spain’s preparations for Euro 2020 could not have been much worse as coronavirus problems forced them to appoint a brand new squad as a reserve for their first team – Luis Enrique probably wishes he had played the B team in their opener.
La Roja dominated the ball for most of their match with Sweden, but they could not find a breakthrough and almost lost their first outing in Euro 2020 but their blushes were saved by Marcus Berg’s terrible end.
Poland experienced an equally overwhelming start to their campaign when they were beaten 2-1 by Slovakia, which means that both sides are in desperate need of a win on their way into their clash on Saturday night.
Here is a 90 min preview of the upcoming game …
Estadio de La Cartuja hosts the game / JULIO MUNOZ / Getty Images
When is kick off? Saturday 19 June, 20:00 (BST)Where is the match played? La Cartuja Stadium, SevilleWhich TV channel is it on? BBC One (UK), fuboTV (USA)Who is the judge? Daniele OrsatoWho has VAR service? Massimiliano Irrati
Busquets will miss again / David Ramos / Getty Images
Luis Enrique will once again be without Sergio Busquet’s services as the Barcelona man continues his recovery from coronavirus, although it is hoped he may be available for their final group trip to Slovakia.
Alvaro Morata’s performance against Sweden came under a lot of scrutiny after he missed a gilded opportunity to leave his side the three points. Enrique has not said anything that indicates that his support for the frontman is declining, so expect him to start.
Grzegorz Krychowiak suspended for clash / Anatoly Maltsev – Pool / Getty Images
Paulo Sousa will be without the suspended Grzegorz Krychowiak after being sent off in their inaugural match in Euro 2020, which means that Jakub Moder could get his first start in the tournament.
The only good news to come from Poland’s defeat against Slovakia is that no injuries were picked up, which means that Robert Lewandowski will once again lead the line when he carries a nation’s hopes on his shoulders.
Pedri was excellent last time / David Ramos / Getty Images
If there was any doubt about Pedri’s talents before the start of Euro 2020, he really showed them in bed in Spain’s match against Sweden. Hungary was one of the few players who came out of the collision with any credit, with his progressive passes and sharp turns that proved to be the key to creating chances – which his teammates missed. He is likely to get a second start in the tournament against Poland and he is honestly one of the most exciting players in Euro 2020.
Spain: Simon; M Llorente, Laporte, P Torres, Alba; Koke, Rodri, Pedri; F Torres, Morata, Olmo.
Poland: Szczesny; Bereszynski, Glik, Bednarek; Jozwiak, Klich, Moder, Linetty, Rybus; Zielinski, Lewandowski.
It will probably come as no surprise to hear that Spain have dominated this match over the years and won eight of the two sides’ previous ten meetings.
Poland have only ever beaten Spain once, although the good news for Polish fans is that the pair have not met in over a decade and so much has changed since the last crossroads – the bad news is their latest match saw Spain crush them 6 -0.
Lewandowski will of course be the key to his side’s chances / MB Media / Getty Images
The irony of this conflict is that Poland has one thing that Spain needs – if you were to put Lewandowski on Enrique’s side, they would suddenly look decent, even if the Polish hitman was far from his brilliant best against Slovakia.
It is almost impossible to imagine that Spain could be as toothless again as they were against Sweden, and after a stuttering start to their campaign, you would want them to get a scary victory before you finally clicked in the gear.
Prediction: Spain 1-0 Poland
