Belarus vs. Spain: Preview, Team News and Starting XI for World Cup Qualifier

Belarus hosts Spain on Friday when UEFA World Cup qualifiers resume.

The home side has lost its first two games—against Georgia and France—and are looking at a third in a row when they face the reigning World Cup winners.

This is Belarus' first home game of the qualifying stages however and they will be sure to make it tough for the Spanish Armada.

Spain had a hard time of it in their first game against Georgia, as always, will be expected to pull out the win.

Here is the team news and projected lineups for each side.

Belarus Team News

Alexander Hleb is the most recognizable name in the Belarus setup and he will be up against some of his former team-mates from Barcelona and Arsenal.

The Belarus squad has only one recognized forward and that means Spain is likely to face a very packed defense and midfield.(via MSN Sports Malaysia)

Belarus Projected Lineup

Veremko

Martynovich—Radkov—Polyakov—Verkhovstov

Balanovich—Kisliak—Hleb—Putsilo—Dragun

Rodionov

Spain Team News

With Gerard Pique out injured, FIFA.com reports that Javi Martinez has been selected for the teams upcoming qualifiers. Two notable big-name players who did not make the squad are Juan Mata and Fernando Llorente.

Other than that it will be the usual suspects for Spain in the starting 11.

Spain Projected Lineup

Casillas

Arbeloa—Ramos—Albiol—Alba

Busquets—Alonso

Silva—Xavi—Iniesta

Villa