Team news
Giovanni Trapattoni will have a horrendous task at hand to field an Irish team which is depleted by injuries to a number of players. West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long heads the injury list and is joined by other Premier League stars including Stoke trio Marc Wilson, Glenn Whelan and Jonathan Walters, Wes Hoolahan, Aiden McGeady and Richard Dunne have also been also ruled out of the squad. Whereas Sunderland centre half John O’Shea pulled out of the squad for personal reasons.
Spain on the other hand have no injury concerns apart from Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso who withdrew from the squad after suffering a groin injury.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque who will next month celebrate five years as head coach of the national side gave an insight on his team selection. The former Real Madrid manager hinted that he would shuffle things around so that every player is given a chance to prove himself. Barcelona number one Victor Valdes who recently opted to stay at Cataluña for yet another season is expected to replace Iker Casillas in goal, whereas Spain’s record goal scorer David Villa is expected to spearhead the attack replacing Fernando Torres upfront.
Competition in the Spanish midfield remains as cutthroat as ever, Santi Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas who scored goal apiece in a 2-1 victory against Haiti will be fighting for places in the squad against David Silva, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez.
Whereas the Barcelona trio of Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Pedro who were all left out in the cold in the match against Haiti are expected to be back in contention.
Analysis
Last time the two sides met, Ireland took a 4-0 thumping against the eventual European champions. Only four of the players who represented Ireland on that occasion will take field on Tuesday.
Derby County midfielder Jeff Hendrick is expected to make his first start for the national side and will be accompanied in the centre of the park by Arsenal target James McCarthy.
Ireland are currently on a good run and have been undefeated in their last five outings. Their last two matches culminated a total of seven goals as Giovanni Trapattoni's men ran riot against Georgia and the Faroe Islands.
Robbie Keane will be one of the familiar faces for the crowd as the LA Galaxy striker takes field for the 127th time for his national side. The former Tottenham striker netted a wonderful hat-trick in his 126th appearance for the national side against Faeroe Islands, and Ireland will be hoping for another inspirational showing from their captain.
Spain with the plethora of talent at their expense, have been less than impressive in their last three outings. Spain who were expected to cruise to victory against lower ranked Haiti, instead struggled to instigate their dominance. In the World Cup Qualifying matches the European giants were held by minnows Finland and earned a narrow 1-0 victory over France.
Head to Head
14 Jun, 2012 – Spain 4-0 Ireland
16 Jun, 2002 – Spain 1-1 Ireland
13 Oct, 1993 - Ireland 1-3 Spain
18 Nov, 1992 – Spain 0- 0 Ireland
26 Apr, 1989 – Ireland 1-0 Spain
Last five matches
Spain
Jun 8, 2013 – Spain 2-1 Haiti
Mar 26, 2013 – France 0-1 Spain
Mar 22, 2013 – Spain 1-1 Finland
Feb 6, 2013 – Spain 3-1 Uruguay
Nov 14, 2012 – Panama 1-5 Spain
Ireland
Jun 7, 2013 – Ireland 3-0 Faroe Islands
Jun 2, 2013 – Ireland 4-0 Georgia
May 29, 2013 – England 1-1 Ireland
Mar 26, 2013 – Ireland 2-2 Austria
Mar 22, 2013 – Sweden 0-0 Ireland
Prediction
An Irish defence weakened by a number of injuries will find it difficult to withhold one of the most aggressive attacking forces in the world, whereas much to their enticing attacking display the World Champions have been vulnerable at the back recently, a weakness which can be exploited by Ireland.
Spain 3-1 Ireland
