Early training work suggests Vicente del Bosque will play a weakened Spain line-up against Equatorial Guinea and then a stronger one against South Africa.
La Roja began work at Las Rozas on Wednesday evening ahead of travelling out to Africa to play Equatorial Guinea on Saturday and then South Africa on November 19.
Indications from the initial work done indicate that Del Bosque is planning to field a weaker-looking side for the first test, ahead of playing a more familiar line-up come the team’s return to Soccer City.
Dividing the group into two in yesterday’s evening session, Del Bosque appears to be favouring an inexperienced back-line of Juanfran Torres, Inigo Martinez, Marc Bartra and Alberto Moreno to start in Malabo.
Bayern Munich’s Javi Martinez is seen as likely to anchor a midfield alongside Koke Resurreccion whilst Santi Cazorla, Jesus Navas and Juan Mata will switch between roles to support Alvaro Negredo.
Speculation is that the XI will then be completely changed for next week’s game in Johannesburg.
Probable Spain XI to play Equatorial Guinea: Reina; Juanfran, Bartra, Inigo Martinez, Moreno; Javi Martinez, Koke, Cazorla; Navas, Negredo, Mata
Probable Spain XI to play South Africa: Casillas (Valdes); Arbeloa, Albiol, Ramos, Monreal; Busquets, Alonso, Iniesta; Pedro, Llorente, Villa
