Macedonia vs Spain – UEFA Euro Qualifiers – Preview

Posted on September 7, 2015 by Sreya

Macedonia will host Spain at Philip II Arena in a Group C fixture of the 2016 UEFA Euro qualifiers on Tuesday as the current international break enters its last round of matches, before the players return to their respective clubs.

Spain are the table toppers in Group C and have already secured qualification to the 2016 UEFA Euro competition with 18 points after seven matches. Their 2-0 win over Slovakia on Saturday helped them top the group with a superior goal difference. Macedonia, on the other hand, suffered a 1-0 defeat in the hands of Luxembourg which invited ridicule from the rest of the footballing world.

Team News

Spain manager Vincent Del Bosque has hinted towards making changes and it is believed Chelsea forward Diego Costa may be dropped in favour of Paco Alcacer, after the Brazilian born striker’s international goal drought continued against Slovakia.

“Against Macedonia I do not know if I will make changes, but I will not be afraid to make them. We have played well and we had a few chances. We have taken the initiative. We have managed to solve the problems posed to us.”

– Vincent Del Bosque.

Macedonia are in serious trouble as injuries and suspension continue to hinder the chances of the wooden spoon contenders of Group C. Striker Besart Abdurahimi and defender Kire Ristevski are suspended as they received yellow cards in Macedonia’s previous match. Midfielders Arijan Ademi and Daniel Mojsov are absent through injuries. Forward Aleksandar Trajkovski has also been listed as doubtful and will face a late fitness test.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Macedonia have never won against Spain, La Roja winning comprehensively in all four previous encounters. Spain should win this particular fixture as well, with 3-0 being the most probable scoreline.