Spain face Poland in a crucial Group E encounter in Seville on Saturday. Spain were stunned in their previous game despite having 86% possession. The Spanish team completely dominated Sweden, missing some opportunities. Poland manager Paulo Sosa would want to inspire his team to a victory after the dismal showing against Slovakia.

Spain

Spain played 917 passes and 17 shots against Sweden, but poor finishing. Most notably from Alvaro Morata and could only conjure a draw. This puts Spain in a tricky situation. A win against Poland would greatly help on their quest for their 4^th European Championship. A draw or loss would only make their position worse before facing Slovakia.

Spain Tactics

Sergio Busquets will sit this one out despite having tested negative to avoid further positive cases. However, the midfielder will be available for the final group game against Slovakia. Rodri is likely to continue in the anchoring role. Enrique always rotates his midfield. He has never repeated the same midfield. The experienced Thiago Alcantara likely to replace the exciting Pedri in the lineup. Pedri had a good game, and received high praise for his risk taking ability. But Alcantara might provide the quality needed with a must-win situation at hand.

Introduction of Jose Gaya at left back is a serious consideration for Jordi Alba. The coach is likely to start Morata again in an attempt to lift the strikers spirits. But Gerard Moreno is preferable to start ahead of Alvaro Morata after a terrible performance. Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres will also start wide positions.

Poland

Poland will look to make amends to their opening game, which ended in defeat against Slovakia. Lewandowski & co. failed to impact the game as the Polish never looked convinced to get back. Poland’s fate will be settled against Spain when they meet. A win would split the group. One going into the round of 16. However a defeat will end all lingering hopes of making it to the round of 16 of the tournament. Talisman Robert Lewandowski failed to have any relevant involvement in the game, and the blame should fall upon those tasked with creating behind him.

Poland Tactics

The midfield change could be with Piotr Zielinski operating from a no.10 role. Zielinski started the Slovakia game up front alongside Lewandowski. Karol Swiderski could be brought in to improve all-around attack upfront. Grzegorz Krychowiak’s red card means he will miss the Spain game, but this could be an opportunity for Sosa to make fundamental changes in midfield.

Sosa could field a midfield two of Maciej Rybus and Mateusz Klich. Karol Linetty and Kamil Jozwiak will occupy wing-back positions. Wojciech Szczesny will keep his place in goal, despite a bad showing against Slovakia. Bartosz Bereszynski, Kamil Glik and Jan Bednarek all occupying central defensive positions in front of him.