Spain vs Sweden - 5 key battles to watch out for in top Group B encounter | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

#3 Dejan Kulusevski (Sweden) vs Jose Gaya (Spain)

Dejan Kulusevski could be a huge threat for Spain from the flanks.

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.

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#2 Pablo Sarabia (Spain) vs Ludwig Augustinsson (Sweden)

Pablo Sarabia struck the winner for Spain against Greece on Friday.

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.

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#1 Alexander Isak (Sweden) vs Aymeric Laporte (Spain)

Alexander Isak has been Sweden's most prolific scorer in these qualifiers with four goals.

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.