Spain and Croatia are pulling no punches with all-attack line-ups in their final Group C game, which will also affect Italy’s qualification hopes.
Both teams are on four points going into the last round and a 2-2 draw would automatically qualify Spain and Croatia.
Failing that, and if Italy beat the Republic of Ireland, then the winning side will go through along with the Azzurri.
Spain and Croatia are pulling no punches with all-attack line-ups in their final Group C game, which will also affect Italy’s qualification hopes.
Both teams are on four points going into the last round and a 2-2 draw would automatically qualify Spain and Croatia.
Failing that, and if Italy beat the Republic of Ireland, then the winning side will go through along with the Azzurri.
If this fixture ends 1-1, then goal difference comes into play with Italy needing to win by two clear goals – not including a 2-0 result – to qualify.
Spain have not changed the line-up that started the 4-0 drubbing of the Republic of Ireland, so Fernando Torres remains as the centre-forward in a 4-3-3 system.
Similarly, Croatia stick with Mario Mandzukic as their hitman in the hopes of causing an upset against the reigning World and European Champions.
Slaven Bilic again adjusts his 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1. Nikica Jelavic is on the bench after suffering from flu, making way for Danijel Pranjic, and defender Domagoj Vida steps in for Ivan Perisic.
These sides have only ever met before in friendly games with two Spanish wins, a draw and a Croatian victory.
Croatia: Pletikosa; Vida, Corluka, Schildenfeld, Strinic; Rakitic, Vukojevic; Srna, Modric, Pranjic; Mandzukic
Spain: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Xabi Alonso; Silva, Torres, Iniesta