Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Spain-Serbia, likely lineups

At the Ceramic Stadium in Villarreal, at 9 p.m., a very important friendly is staged for De la Fuente’s Spain, Queen of Europe, as they take on Serbia in a test that replaces the originally scheduled Final against Argentina. For the Red Furies it is an opportunity to consolidate the group, while for Serbia it represents a crucial test to restart after the disappointment of the missed World Cup qualification.

The choices of the two CTs are conditioned by some illustrious absences. Spain will have to forgo its captain Alvaro Morata and arrowhead Nico Williams, both of whom are stuck in the pits. On the other hand, Serbia arrives in Spain without its offensive star: in fact, Dusan Vlahovic is not among the summoned players, leaving a heavy void in Paunovic’s attack.

De la Fuente’s team does not give up its identity. In goal is Unai Simón, protected by a very young defense where, alongside Cucurella’s experience, the central pair formed by Huijsen and Cubarsí stands out. In midfield, Zubimendi’s direction is supported by Pedri’s class and Fermín Lopez’s dynamism. Up front, without Morata, the weight of the attack is all on starlet Lamine Yamal, supported by the tactical intelligence of Oyarzabal.

Paunovic’s national team responds with a very physical set-up. Between the posts is Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, with the defense led by Milenkovic and Pavlovic. The midfield dyke sees Lukic flanked by young Aleksandar Stankovic, while in the trequart the quality of Samardzic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Birmancevic will have the task of inventing for the only forward Aleksandar Mitrovic, ready to fight on every ball.

Probable lineups

SPAGNA (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Huijsen, Cubarsì, Cucurella; Pedri, Zubimendi, Fermin Lopez; Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena. All. De la Fuente.

SERBIA (4-2-3-1): V. Milinkovic-Savic; Erakovic, Milenkovic, S. Pavlovic, Kostic; Lukic, A. Stankovic; Samardzic, S. Milinkovic-Savic, Birmancevic; A. Mitrovic. All. Paunovic.

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