How Spain Will Line Up Against Belarus

Vicente del Bosque's Spain side head to the Iberostar Stadium in Mallorca this Friday to take on a Belarus team that were well beaten by La Roja in Minsk almost a year ago to the day.

The 4-0 win that day was marked by a hat-trick for Barcelona's Pedro Rodriguez, and del Bosque is aware that another three points for his team in this match will leave them agonisingly close to qualification as group winners for World Cup 2014.

A positive result in their game against Georgia next week will then guarantee their passage to Rio.

The big news in the lead-up to this match is the call-up of Swansea City's in-form striker, Michu. The former Real Oviedo and Celta Vigo man has been in sparkling form during his time in England, netting 22 times for the Swans last season and already with five goals this term.

With David Villa and Fernando Torres nursing injuries, del Bosque has chosen to overlook both Fernando Llorente and Roberto Soldado, instead preferring Alvaro Negredo and Michu as his front pairing.

As such, expect Michu to make his debut in this match, complete with resplendent head-gear, per Neil McLeman of Mirror.

Atletico Madrid right back Juanfran is another who is certain to play after Del Bosque told journalists, per Ed Malyon of Mirror: 

"

Juanfran deserves his chance.

We also have Azpilicueta, Montoya and Carvajal, but they do not play.

Juanfran is playing well for Atletico.

"

Real Sociedad's Inigo Martinez has replaced Raul Albiol in the squad after the Napoli man withdrew with muscular problems, per Football Espana, although it's unlikely he will displace either of Sergio Ramos or Gerard Pique at the heart of the Spanish defence.

If del Bosque goes for experience at the back, then expect to see Alvaro Arbeloa switch sides in the absence of Jordi Alba; however, both Nacho Monreal and Sevilla's Javi Moreno (on his first call-up) can provide able alternatives.

Iker Casillas has been included in the squad, yet given his lack of minutes and Victor Valdes' stellar form so far this season, it would be a surprise if del Bosque stuck with his record-breaking captain—at least at this juncture.

The midfield seemingly picks itself with the Barca triumvirate of Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta providing defensive steel and creativity aplenty.

However, with the Belorussian Telegraph Agency noting that their national side are beset by problems leading into this game, there is potential for this one to be put to bed early.

Expect Isco to get a decent run out if so. The Real Madrid starlet has been one of the shining lights at the Santiago Bernabeu in what has been a relatively low-key start to the La Liga season by Carlo Ancelotti's men.

Manchester City's speed-merchant Jesus Navas is nailed on for the right side of a front three with Pedro taking up the opposite wing. Both are handy foils for Michu as they incessantly raid down the flanks, providing width and directness when required. 

Michu's presence and intelligence on the ball will give the Belarusian defence nightmares. Do they press and risk being outmuscled or allow him half a yard, perhaps giving him the opportunity to play in colleagues?

Chelsea's Juan Mata has also been recalled, and he, along with Cesc Fabregas, may also play some part in this game.

Del Bosque has a wealth of personnel and tactical options at this disposal, and there really is no reason why his team can't at least replicate the scoreline from Minsk. The form guide also favours La Roja, their opponents not having won a game since a 2-0 away victory against Estonia back in June.

The reigning World Cup winners will only have themselves to blame if they fail to qualify from this position.