Finland 0-2 Spain - World Cup Qualification UEFA 2012/2013 Statistical Preview

Probable Lineups Statistical Comparison

(5) 3 Goals 9 (14)

38.2 Average Age 38.9

180.5 Average Height (cm) 178.3

* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in World Cup Qualification UEFA 1st round grp. I.

Team News

Finland

Spain

Finland could line-up with the same starting XI that overcame Slovenia 2-0 during the summer.
Head-coach Mixu Paatelainen will be wanting his team to stifle the attacking threat of the world champions and could set-up in a 4-3-2-1 formation.

Iker Casillas could be benched in favour of Victor Valdes. The Barcelona goalkeeper has been in impressive form for his club this season, while Casillas has been dropped in favour of Diego Lopez at the Bernabeu.
Isco could be handed a start in the midfield three with Sergio Busquets and Xavi, while David Villa looks set to start following a blistering start to life with Atletico Madrid.

R	Team	W	D	L	Pts
1	Spain	6	2	0	20
3	Finland	2	3	3	9

Team

Pts

Spain

Finland

Prediction

Finland are just 4 points behind second placed France in Group I and a win could rejuvenate their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup, especially if Les Bleus slip up against Georgia.
Mixu Paatelainen will look to pack the midfield to stifle the threat of Spain, who can call upon the likes of Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Isco to break down the Finland defence.
Iker Casillas may be benched in favour of Victor Valdes for the trip to Helsinki as he's yet to play a minute of first-team football this season.
Regardless, the quality running through the ranks with Spain means a comfortable win for the World Champions is the expected outcome.

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Probable Lineups