Spain host Czech Republic in Nations League with nine changes to starting XI

Match in Oviedo

World and European champions Spain host the Czech Republic today at the Carlos Tartiere stadium in Oviedo, according to Marca. The match carries symbolic weight, as the Czech Republic are currently coached by Santi Denia and Pablo Amo, both closely linked to Luis de la Fuente and to developing many of tonight's Spanish opponents.

Spain have won both their Nations League matches so far this campaign, against England and Croatia, and are seeking to maintain their unbeaten record. The squad's honours list includes World Cup and European Championship titles, the Nations League trophy, and four Olympic champions. The Czech Republic, by contrast, have lost both of their matches as the team goes through a longer-term rebuilding process, and are missing several players who featured at the World Cup.

Nine changes to the lineup

According to Mundo Deportivo, Luis de la Fuente made nine changes compared with the match in Seville, with only Álex Baena and Lamine Yamal retaining their starting places — Yamal being the only player to have started all three matches played so far.

Spain's starting eleven: Raya; Fresneda, Le Normand, Laporte, Fran García; Rodrigo, Pedri, Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Roberto, Baena. Fresneda and Roberto are making their debuts, while Raya replaces Unai Simón in goal.

On the bench: Unai Simón, Josep Martínez, Pubill, Huijsen, Cucurella, Mikel Merino, Fermín, Zubimendi, Yeremy Pino, Oyarzabal and Víctor Muñoz.

Absences

Fabián Ruiz left the squad at the last minute and travelled to Paris, as he is expecting the birth of a child. Pau Cubarsí was also left out to rest alongside Carlos Espí, who joined the squad at midnight after being called up from the Under-21 side. Both, Mundo Deportivo notes, are expected to be available for the match against Croatia in Split next Tuesday.