Croatia and Spain set to field strong line-ups in Nations League clash

Croatia and Spain are expected to name near full-strength sides for their Nations League meeting on Tuesday, 6 October, with kick-off scheduled for 18:45 GMT.

The fourth-round fixture sees Croatia welcome Spain in a contest featuring several of the leading players available to both national teams.

Croatia

Croatia manager is expected to have all of the squad’s key players available for the match. Luka Modric, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic are all set to start, giving the team’s coach a full range of options in midfield and defence as Croatia seek to compete with Spain.

Dominik Livakovic is likely to continue in goal, with Ivan Perisic, Josko Gvardiol, Luka Vuskovic and Josip Stanisic forming the expected defensive line.

Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric are set to operate in midfield alongside Franjo Ivanovic, Petar Sucic and Luka Sucic. Igor Matanovic is the probable lone striker.

Croatia’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Dominik Livakovic

Defenders: Ivan Perisic, Josko Gvardiol, Luka Vuskovic, Josip Stanisic

Midfielders: Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Franjo Ivanovic, Petar Sucic, Luka Sucic

Forward: Igor Matanovic

Spain

Spain are also expected to be close to full strength, although Fabian Ruiz will miss the match. The Paris-based midfielder is absent so he can remain with his family following the birth of his child.

Unai Simon is projected to start in goal, behind a defence of Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsi, A. Laporte and M. Cucurella.

Dani Olmo, Rodri and Pedri are expected to make up the midfield, while Lamine Yamal, M. Oyarzabal and Alex Baena are in line to lead the attack.

Spain’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Unai Simon

Defenders: Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsi, A. Laporte, M. Cucurella

Midfielders: Dani Olmo, Rodri, Pedri

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, M. Oyarzabal, Alex Baena

The Nations League fourth-round match between Croatia and Spain takes place on Tuesday, 6 October, at 18:45 GMT.