Spain will attempt to begin their European Under-21 Championship Group B campaign in style when they face Russia in Jerusalem on Thursday.

The reigning champions won nine of their 10 qualification fixtures, with their only dropped points coming in a goalless draw with Switzerland in their penultimate fixture. They then made light work of Denmark in the playoffs, recording an 8-1 aggregate win to book their spot in the finals.

Russia, meanwhile, finished top of Group 6 in qualification, before a 4-2 aggregate success over an impressive Czech Republic side ensured their place in Israel.

Spain will enter the match full of confidence having won each of their last three meetings against Russia, scoring five goals and conceding just once in the process. As mentioned, they are also the current champions having recorded a 2-0 win over Switzerland two years ago in Denmark.

Russia cannot boast similar experience at this level, however, with this summer the first time they have appeared as an independent nation under the current format. However, as part of the Soviet Union, they were champions in 1990.

Spain have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match, with their squad undoubtedly the strongest in the competition. David de Gea is expected to start in goal, while there should also be places for the likes of Martin Montoya, Inigo Martinez, Thiago, Koke and Cristian Tello.

Benfica forward Rodrigo is also expected to feature, with the youngster scoring 11 of Spain's 35 goals in the qualification process.

Russia, however, will be without Alan Dzagoev, who was one of six players to share the Golden Boot at the European Championships last summer, due to his involvement in the senior squad, but the CSKA Moscow forward should feature in their second group match.

For the same reason, Dynamo Moscow winger Aleksandr Kokorin will also be unavailable for the opener, but Real Madrid forward Denis Cheryshev and Lokomotiv Moscow's Taras Burlak should both feature.

Recent form:

Spain: WDWWW

Russia: WDWDW

Possible lineups:

Spain: De Gea; Montoya, Martinez, Carvajal, Moreno; Koke, Thiago, Canales, Muniain; Rodrigo, Tello

Russia: Kritsyuk; Burlak, Chicherin, Schennikov, Belyayev; Kirillov, Cheryshev, Bibilov, Petrov; Yakovlev, Kanunnikov

Sports Mole says: 3-1

Written by
Matt Law

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