Spain travel to Cluj to take on Romania in an international friendly on Sunday, with the two sides facing each other for only the second time in their history.
Romania emerged the victors in the only previous meeting between the two sides in Cadiz 10 years ago. However, following that loss, Spain went on a 38-match unbeaten streak on their way to Euro 2008 glory. Vicente Del Bosque’s men will be trying to level the scores when they take on the Romanians once again on Sunday.
However, Spain’s main aim will be to prepare for the upcoming Euro 2016 tournament and to give the fringe players a chance to impress their manager. The likes of Paco Alcacer, Koke and Nolito may all get a chance to prove their worth before Del Bosque makes the final call on his 23-man squad for the summer tournament.
Lineups
Romania
Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu; Rat, Chiriches, Grigore, Sapunaru; Printilii, Prepelita; Stancu, Popa, Torje; Keseru.
Spain
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Casillas; Alba, Pique, Nacho, Mario; Koke, Roberto, Silva; Nolito, Alacer, Isco.
Key Stats
- Romania are on an 11-match unbeaten run at the moment.
- The Romanians have played only one match against Spain, winning it 1-0.
- Spain themselves are on an unbeaten streak, having been unbeaten in their last eight matches.
- Interestingly, the last match Spain lost was against Netherlands, who are going through a terrible patch of form at present.
- Spain have kept a clean sheen in six of their last seven matches.
Prediction
Romania 0 – 1 Spain
Although the Romanians have been on a brilliant run of form, the Spanish challenge might just turn out to be a bit too difficult for them. Spain, who are set to miss a couple of key players in this match in the form of Sergio Busquets and Sergio Ramos, still have a strong enough side to register a win in Cluj.
Odds (Paddy Power)
- Romania: 4/1
- Draw: 13/5
- Spain: 8/11
