Key Battles That Will Shape Spain's Clash with Macedonia

Just days after suffering a 1-0 friendly defeat to France in Paris, Spain will commence their qualifying campaign for Euro 2016 with a clash against Macedonia in Valencia on Monday. 

Also drawn with Luxembourg, Belarus, Slovakia and Ukraine in Group C, Vicente del Bosque's side will be confident of a smooth passage into the continental tournament that is set to be played in France in two years' time. 

But it can't be ignored that La Roja are facing issues following their disastrous trip to Brazil for this summer's World Cup. 

Needing to integrate youthful stars to replace the likes of Xavi, Xabi Alonso and David Villa, the Spaniards must also allow the team's once-indomitable approach to evolve and address the flaws that were exposed in South America, all the while finding a way to harness the talents of the nation's new wave of strikers. 

Thus, despite the vast disparity in quality, there are areas of weakness in the Spainish armoury that can be targeted by Macedonia in their search for an unlikely victory.

Across the following slides, we examine the battles that will shape Monday's encounter.

Tome Pacovski vs. Spain's Attacking Stars

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

After failing to get a single shot on target against France on Thursday, it's reasonable to assume that Vicente del Bosque will encourage his attacking cast to launch something of a barrage on Macedonia goalkeeper Tome Pacovski in Valencia on Monday.

With the likes of David Silva, Koke, Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla set to dominate the game in midfield, La Roja's forward ensemble are likely to enjoy a vast array of chances at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia.

Thus, despite being without the team's most potent striker in Diego Costa, the talented Paco Alcacer or the experienced Barcelona forward Pedro should test Pacovski regularly, possibly leaving Monday's scoreline hinging upon the Macedonian No. 1's success in protecting his net. 

David Silva vs. Macedonia's Defensive Midfield

Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

In Andres Iniesta's absence, the creative duties in the Spanish team will likely fall to David Silva for the clash with Macedonia. 

So often an incisive attacking midfielder with his crisp passing and superb vision, the Manchester City star made a significant impact when brought on as a substitute in the defeat to France on Thursday. 

Given that Vicente del Bosque will look to attack heavily on Monday, Silva will be the man able to break down a Macedonia team that will sit deep, operating between the lines to disturb Bosko Gjurovski's midfield that could contain defensive duo Stefan Spirovski and Muhamed Demiri.

If Silva fires, linking up effectively with either Pedro, Paco Alcacer, Raul Garcia or Munir El Haddadi ahead of him, Spain will cruise home.

Can Spain's No. 9 Get in Behind Macedonia's Defence?

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

Vicente del Bosque has a number of secondary options to call upon to replace the injured Diego Costa up front, with Pedro, Paco Alcacer, Raul Garcia and Munir El Haddadi among his forward options. 

Cesc Fabregas has regularly played as a false nine for Del Bosque, too. 

Among them, however, Alcacer—while still raw—is the most natural striker from those with senior experience and was used as a substitute for Costa against France in Paris. 

Should the Valencia forward start against Macedonia, his ability to get in behind the visitors' back four and link up with David Silva and Co. will determine how lethal Spain can be, given the problems La Roja face when they can't break through the lines against stubborn defensive teams. 

Agim Ibraimi vs. Spain's High Line

Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Associated Press

Possibly Macedonia's brightest attacking spark, Agim Ibraimi's ability to trouble Spain's high defensive line will be critical to the visitors' hopes on Monday. 

Fast, an accomplished dribbler and possessing long-range shooting ability, the Maribor star is likely to be his team's primary outlet on the few occasions they break from their deep defensive position. 

As made evident in this summer's World Cup, Spain's back four can be breached with blistering counter-attacks, and while Ibraimi isn't Arjen Robben, he does have the capacity to create a few anxious moments for Vicente del Bosque.

That several Premier League clubs have been tracking the Macedonian this summer, per Sky Sports, only reinforces how talented the winger is.  

Vicente del Bosque vs. His Own Conservatism

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Following their catastrophic trip to Brazil and the narrow loss to France, one feels this Spanish outfit needs an injection of confidence that only a thrashing of Macedonia could provide. 

The responsibility for orchestrating such a performance, of course, lies with Vicente del Bosque. 

However, the former Real Madrid boss is renowned for his conservatism and inclination to play it safe even when bolder options are available. Despite his supreme ability to unlock a squad's potential with his innate feel for the dynamic of a group, Del Bosque has rarely deployed his teams with a full-throttle approach.

Against Macedonia, the 63-year-old has the opportunity to do just that and let his team relentlessly attack in the hope they will recapture their former excellence. 

Doing so will require Del Bosque to move outside of his comfort zone.