Vicente del Bosque has given a strong indication of Spain’s starting line-up to face Republic of Ireland tonight, with Sergio Busquets part of a Barcelona block.
On from confirming Victor Valdes and David Villa’s places in the starting XI for La Roja’s second and last warm-up match ahead of the Confederations Cup, the team were tested in a provisional line-up in training.
Notably, Barcelona’s Busquets is brought back into midfield, but at the expense of Javi Martinez, rather than alongside him, suggestive that Del Bosque is continuing without a double pivot midfield in Xabi Alonso’s absence.
Busquets will form part of an all-Barcelona midfield alongside Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, in a projected XI containing a total of eight players from the Catalan club.
Speculation is that apart from Iker Casillas perhaps replacing Valdes in goal, the line-up Del Bosque starts with may be the preferred team he will play in the first group game of the Confederations Cup against Uruguay on Sunday.
Provisional Spain XI to face Republic of Ireland: Valdes; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Pedro, Villa, Silva
Meanwhile, opponents the Republic of Ireland have already confirmed their starting line-up for the tie.
Republic of Ireland confirmed XI: Forde, McShane, St. Ledger, O'Dea, Kelly, Hendrick, McCarthy, Coleman, Keogh, Keane, Sammon
