How Spain could line up against Costa Rica

Spain boss Luis Enrique has big decisions to make when it comes to his forward line for Wednesday's World Cup opener with Costa Rica.

Arguably only three positions are up for discussion, with Eric Garcia and Pau Torres battling to start alongside Aymeric Laporte in the middle of the defence, while Enrique has to choose two players to feature in the front three with the squad's leading goalscorer Alvaro Morata.

Pau Torres is ultimately expected to get the nod alongside Laporte, while Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati could join Morata in the final third.

Marco Asensio, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Yeremi Pino and Pablo Sarabia are also options in attack, but it seems unlikely that Williams or Pino will be considered for starts at this stage, while Asensio will not enter the competition in top shape due to his struggles for minutes at Real Madrid this term.

Fati's spot in the squad was far from certain, but the 20-year-old started against Jordan on November 17, finding the back of the net in the process, which should earn him a spot in the side.

Enrique also has plenty of options in midfield, but Gavi and Pedri are expected to feature alongside Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets in the middle of the park.

Jose Gaya was forced to pull out of the squad through injury, with Alejandro Balde his replacement.

Balde is now ahead of Jordi Alba in the pecking order at Barcelona, but the latter will start against Costa Rica, with Dani Carvajal lining up as the right-back.

Spain possible starting lineup: Simon; Carvajal, Laporte, P Torres, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, Gavi; F Torres, Morata, Fati

> Click here to see how Costa Rica could line up for this contest