Spain vs Netherlands team news and predicted lineups | OneFootball

Spain welcomes the Netherlands for the second leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final at Mestalla on Sunday, 23rd March.

The tie is evenly poised as they played out a 2-2 draw in Rotterdam, a game that saw both teams lead at one point. Kick-off will be at 7:45 pm (GMT), but there is no official UK broadcaster for this showdown.

Spain vs Netherlands predicted line-ups

Spain (4-2-3-1): Simón; Porro, Huijsen, Le Normand, Cucurella; Ruiz, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Morata

Netherlands (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Frimpong, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Geertruida; De Jong, Reijnders; Simons, Kluivert, Gakpo; Depay

Spain vs Netherlands team news

Pau Cubarsi was forced off the field in the later stages of the first half on Thursday. Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has not yet ruled him out of the upcoming match, but seeing the teenager in the starting lineup would be surprising.

As a result, Dean Huijsen, who came on as a substitute for Cubarsi, may make his full debut in the centre of the defence.

Merino and Dani Olmo could be considered for potential changes, but they are likely to start on the bench again, with captain Álvaro Morata expected to continue playing in the central position.

Aside from Cubarsi, Spain has reported no other fitness issues within their current squad.

Ian Maatsen received a late call-up to the Netherlands squad. Hato is suspended following his red card against Spain, and Jurrien Timber will miss out due to illness.

With Hato’s absence, the defence will need to be reshuffled. Jeremie Frimpong is likely to move to right-back, while Lutsharel Geertruida will switch to the left side.

Xavi Simons could be introduced on the right for the visitors. Memphis Depay is expected to lead the attack, and Justin Kluivert and Cody Gakpo are also in contention for spots in the final third this weekend.

Can lethal Jeremie Frimpong unlock Spain’s defence once more?

On both occasions that saw the Netherlands breach Spain’s backline, much of the credit went to Jeremie Frimpong, who first bamboozled several Spanish players before Justin Kluivert played the ball into Cody Gakpo for the Dutch equaliser. Shortly after the break, he left Marc Cucurella in his wake and then set up Tijjani Reijnders for the go-ahead goal.

Frimpong’s remarkable burst of acceleration and pace was for all to see, and the flying Bayer Leverkusen winger ran the show against the European champions. He created four chances, won 10 of 17 duels, and completed seven dribbles. This was arguably his best game in international colors; Frimpong also won possession six times and completed five crosses.

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman praised Frimpong afterwards: “Amazing. Jeremie Frimpong was one we’d discussed; if you can find him quickly and he can approach as a full-back, he’s lethal.”

“To keep his eyes open, especially before the second goal… He is a big threat and pressures well. His speed is an amazing weapon.”