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Spain host Sweden at the Estadio La Cartuja in Sevilla tonight in their final group game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. A direct spot in the Qatar showpiece is on the line, as the two teams are separated by just one point in Group B.
La Roja are leading with 16 points and will qualify with a draw. But the Blagult, who're trailing Spain by a point, need a win, else they'll drop into the playoffs. They did beat the 2010 world champions in the reverse fixture in September, though, recovering from an early setback to win 2-1 in Solna.
However, can they repeat the trick away from home?
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Until the penultimate round of games, Sweden held a two-point advantage over Spain. But their shock 2-0 loss to Georgia on Friday coupled with Spain's victory against Georgia on the same day has shifted the initiative back in La Roja's favour.
Ahead of the tasty clash, here's a look at the five key player battles that could determine the outcome of this clash:
#5 Emil Forsberg (Sweden) vs Dani Carvajal (Spain)
Emil Forsberg has enjoyed his most productive year with Sweden yet, scoring seven times from 12 games in 2021. Most of these strikes came at Euro 2020, where he played a starring role for the Blagult. But the bottom line is that Forsberg's a huge threat.
Known for his quick and effective passing and exceptional creative skills, the RB Leipzig star is often the driving force behind Sweden's attacking plays.
Dani Carvajal will be the man tasked with stopping Forsberg in his tracks on Sunday. That would be no mean feat, but the Real Madrid star comes with a wealth of experience.
The 29-year-old is an excellent reader of the game, and times his tackles to perfection. He should have one eye on Forsberg before he breaks into his trademark forward runs, though.
#4 Alvaro Morata (Spain) vs Victor Lindelof (Sweden)
Alvaro Morata hasn't scored in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers since his strike on the opening matchday against Greece. In a key game like this, though, Luis Enrique will hope to have Morata firing on all cylinders again.
Morata is the most prolific player in the squad, with 22 goals in 48 games. He is also effective in Spain's build-up, thanks to his efficient passing and intelligent movements.
The job of keeping Morata in check will fall on the shoulders of Victor Lindelof, who endured a torrid game against Georgia. Lindelof was at fault for both their goals on the night. So the Manchester United star must regain his composure if Sweden are to keep Morata quiet.
Sweden's Player of the Year in 2018, Lindelof has been going through the motions lately. But he'll have to muster every ounce of his defensive skills tonight, as there's no room for error.
#3 Dejan Kulusevski (Sweden) vs Jose Gaya (Spain)
Dejan Kulusevski could start in the centre of Sweden's attack against Spain. But he often drops to the flanks and provides width, and is key to Sweden unlocking opposition defences.
Kulusevski is a master creator, and has a penchant for defence-splitting through-balls and an eye for goal. The Juventus star is also dangerous on the break, so Jose Gaya will have to make sure Kulusevski isn't given the space to work with.
The 24-year-old put up a strong performance against Greece on Friday. So he is likely to start against Sweden tonight, keeping the veteran left-back Jordi Alba on the bench.
Gaya is a modern full-back who loves to contribute heavily in attack. He has scored once in the qualifiers, against Georgia, but struggles to cope with quick and unpredictable wingers. So Kulusevski will look to exploit the same with his explosive pace.
#2 Pablo Sarabia (Spain) vs Ludwig Augustinsson (Sweden)
Pablo Sarabia has netted only five times for Spain since making his international debut in 2019. But four of them have come this year alone, indicating his growing influence in the team.
Sarabia also struck the winner against Greece on Friday, dispatching a first-half penalty to seal all three points for his side. Naturally, he'll be looked upon to deliver the goods again for La Roja on Sunday.
Up against him will be Sweden's Ludwig Augustinsson, a smart, creative player with an uncanny set-piece prowess. However, as seen in the loss to Georgia, he struggles against pacy wide players.
Sarabia has been highly effective for Spain down the wings this year, with his energetic runs. So it will be interesting to see what Augustinsson has in store for The Spain international.
#1 Alexander Isak (Sweden) vs Aymeric Laporte (Spain)
Sweden are fretting over Zlatan Ibrahimovic's fitness, as the AC Milan star looks set to be sidelined for the clash because of an injury.
If he missed out, it will obviously be a huge blow for the visitors. But Sweden always have the irrepressible Alexander Isak to call upon. With four goals and an assist in the ongoing qualifiers, Isak has been Sweden's most dangerous player. He was on target in Spain's defeat in the reverse fixture.
The Real Sociedad man was Sweden's best performer at Euro 2020, and could once again be crucial to his team's fortunes against Spain. His movement, flair and athleticism could be a real test of mettle for Aymeric Laporte, who has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season.
The Spaniard's style of intelligent defending, with an emphasis on smart positioning and game-reading acumen, could be key in keeping Isak at bay.
