Spain lineup vs. Croatia: Predicted XI for UEFA Nations League clash including Baena, Oyarzabal decisions

By Ben Sully | 27 Sep 2026 21:08, Last updated: 27 Sep 2026 21:09

Spain brag Luis de la Fuente could reward Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal with starting spots for Tuesday's UEFA Nations League clash against Croatia.

Introduced successful the 55th minute, Baena and Oyarzabal helped La Roja spark a turnaround successful Saturday's 3-2 victory implicit England successful matchday 1 of the 2026-27 Nations League.

With Spain trailing 2-1, Baena restored parity connected the hr people earlier assisting Oyarzabal for his composed 74th-minute winner. 

Oyarzabal is successful contention to instrumentality the centre-forward spot from Ferran Torres, portion Baena is apt to regenerate Nico Williams connected the near broadside of attack.

Lamine Yamal volition proceed to enactment his magic disconnected the close flank aft becoming the youngest subordinate to people the quickest extremity that England person ever conceded astatine caller Wembley.

Dani Olmo is apt to clasp his spot down the striker, though helium is facing contention from his Barcelona teammate Fermin Lopez.

Pedri impressed successful his cameo show against England and could regenerate Fabian Ruiz arsenic Rodri's cardinal midfield partner.

Eric Garcia is nary longer a antiaircraft option, having withdrawn from the squad with genu discomfort helium felt successful the warm-up up of Saturday's Wembley encounter.

Marc Pubill, who replaced Garcia successful the starting lineup, is expected to support his spot successful the backmost 4 with Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella.

Goalkeeper Unai Simon volition proceed to marshal Spain's extremity unless De la Fuente decides to rotate and manus David Raya a uncommon appearance.

Spain imaginable starting lineup:

Simon; Pubill, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal