Spain seek Group C top spot against Slovakia

Sergio, Piqué, Bartra and Alba in squad for 8.45pm CET kick off, while Rafinha is set to make Brazil debut alongside Neymar Jr

The Spanish national team is in action on Saturday night against Slovakia, where a win will send them to the top of Euro 2016 qualifying group C. Vicente del Bosque’s side have won five of the six games played so far, having lost 2-1 when they met Slovakia in Žilina last October. The Slovaks currently lead the group with 18 points from a one hundred per cent record. Spain are three points behind on 15, with Ukraine, who are at home to Belarus tonight, third on 12.

The Spanish squad for the game at the Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo features five Barça players (Gerard Piqué, Marc Bartra, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Andrés Iniesta). After this game, they’ll be in Skopje on September 8 to face Macedonia, who are fifth in the group with just three points.

Rafinha eyeing debut

Meanwhile, Rafinha Alcántara could make his full international debut for Brazil tonight after being named to the squad for the very first time by head coach Dunga. The ‘canarinha’ have a friendly against World Cup quarter finalists Costa Rica in New Jersey (kick off 10.00pm CET) and then take on the United States on September 8 in Boston. Neymar is also available for selection for both games. Although he is still serving a suspension following the Copa America in Chile, that only applies to official matches and he is free to appear in friendlies.

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