Preview: Morocco vs. Spain - Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Marocco takes on Spain on Tuesday afternoon in a World Cup knockout round, interestingly, they are nations separated by less than ten miles.
Where: Education City Stadium
When: Tuesday 6 December 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET / 07:00 P
Fifa rankings: Morocco  (22), Spain (7)

Match Preview

Spain's national team sent fear to World Cup rivals by demolishing Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening match, but since then they've stuttered when they had a 1-1 draw against Germany and then were defeated 2-1 by Japan.
On the other hand, Morocco was undefeatable in Group F when they drew 0-0 with Croatia and then defeat Belgium 2-0 and took down Canada 2-1.

These two teams' last clash was in the 2018 World Cup group stages, with that match finishing 2-2.

Team News

Morocco

Source: voi

Morocco number one Yassine Bounou, who felt ill just prior to the victory over Belgium and had to withdraw at the last second, was able to finish the full 90 minutes against Canada and will hope to form part of an untouched XI.
Achraf Hakimi - who delivered a satisfying assist for En-Nesyri's strike - is considered to be passed fit despite nursing some ankle issues, but the Paris Saint-Germain right-back was one of some starters not risked in full training on Saturday.
The cases of Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat, and Sofiane Boufal were also granted a well-earned rest, but there is nothing to indicate that the trio will not be given the green light for Tuesday's match.
Spain 

Source: sportsbrief

As for Spain, Enrique will not have the service from the trio of Dani Olmo, David Raya, and Cesar Azpilicueta in Friday's training session, although the former was just believed to have been rested after a grueling group period.
Still, Azpilicueta - who came off at halftime against Japan - is dealing with pain in his calf, while the reasons for Raya's absence are yet to be specified, but Simon was always hoped to be handed the gloves despite his mistake last time out.
Enrique was not afraid to hand starts to the up-and-coming pair of Nico Williams and Alejandro Balde against Japan, but Ferran Torres and Jordi Alba will be considered to return to the first XI for the knockout stages.

Morocco Vs. Spain Head-To-Head Record

Morocco wins: 0
Spain wins: 2
Draws: 1
Morocco goals: 4
Spain goals: 6

Source: theanalyst

Morocco's Possible Starting Lineup:

Spain's Possible Starting Lineup:

Morocco 1 - 3 Spain