After a disappointing 0-0 draw against Sweden in their Group E opener, Spain will be looking for a change of fortune in front of goal as they aim for victory against Poland on Saturday.
Spain had 75% of possession against the Swedes and completed 852 passes compared to 103 from their opponents, but failed to convert any of their 17 attempts on goal.
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Despite their struggles up front, Unai Simon was solid, though largely untroubled, in goal while Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres seemed to strike an early partnership in central defence. Marcos Llorente and Jordi Alba should continue in the full-back positions.
Thiago was perhaps a surprise exclusion from the starting XI in the opening game and should come in, giving Pedri a rest who was the only midfielder to play 90 minutes against Sweden.
Koke was arguably Spain’s best player and should keep his place in midfield, and so too should Rodri, leaving Pedri and Fabian Ruiz as options from the bench as Sergio Busquets remains absent after a positive COVID-19 test.
The changes should come in the final third for La Roja. Alvaro Morata spurned multiple opportunities to score and could make way for Gerard Moreno.
Dani Olmo remains an exciting young talent but he came unstuck against Sweden as well, and he could be taken out of the side for Real Sociedad star Mikel Oyarzabal.
That would leave Ferran Torres as the only surviving member of the forward trident from the opener. The Manchester City man had bagged five goals in four games for Spain before the beginning of the tournament.
Failure to beat Poland could prove fatal to Spain’s Euros hopes. The Poles themselves need a win after losing to Slovakia, and Robert Lewandowski and co. will provide a stern test for Enrique’s side.
Spain starting XI versus Sweden
