Spain v Argentina Preview 14.11.09 (8.45pm, Vicente Calderón)

Tonight the home of Atlético Madrid plays host to Spain v Argentina: a friendly international in name only. Regardless of Argentina's monumental struggle to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa next summer, both are expected to go far, and this match provides the perfect opportunity for either team to gain a psychological advantage before a ball has even been kicked in Johannesburg. Both Diego Maradona and Vicente Del Bosque are expected to send out full strength teams, with Lionel Messi especially under the microscope in his fight to prove to the critical Argentinian public he can transfer his dazzling form with Barca into the national side.

Spain are flying high and will be looking to continue what was a flawless qualifying campaign by swatting Argentina aside as they begin their preparation for South Africa. On paper and on form, you would have to go for a Spain win but any team that contains Higuaín, Agüero, Tevez and Messi is more than capable of causing problems to any team, and Spain's defence will be keen to prove they can cope with the best.

There are no doubts in defence for Spain with Sergio Ramos and Joan Capdevila as full backs and Barca's Puyol and Piqué in the centre. Iker Casillas will be celebrating his 100th appearance in 'La Roja' becoming only the third spaniard to do so, following in the illustrious footsteps of Raúl and former keeper Zubizarreta. There are no doubts Xavi, Silva and Iniesta will start in midfield, so the only problem for Del Bosque will be whether to play with one up top which will mean a start for Cesc Fabregas and a return to the formation that served them so well against Russia and Germany in Euro 2008, or play two up-front which will see Negredo start instead of the in-form Arsenal man. It says it all about Spain's strength in depth when they cannot even find a place for Xavi Alonso: an embarrassment of riches. Jesus Navas will also be warming the bench, but will be hoping to play some part in the match, and in the process make his much-anticipated debut.

Argentina, in comparison, have never settled on a starting eleven throughout Maradona's reign, with an extraordinary 78 players having been fielded in his short time as manager. Neither do they appear to have a fixed style of play, and seem to rely on individual flashes of brilliance to get through games. This is Diego's chance to find solutions, find a settled first eleven and build up steam before next summers party in South Africa. Messi will be wanting to shine against his host country, whilst Sergio 'El Kun' Agüero will be even closer to home in the Vicente Calderón, although he is likely to start on the bench. It will be interesting to see if the 'Albiceleste' start to play with the freedom and attacking verve Messi and co. so desparately need, now they have removed the weight of doubt surrounding their qualification for the World Cup.


Next years World Cup final dress rehearsal? Who's to know, but it promises to be an intriguing clash.

Watch Spain v Argentina live at (20.45 GMT+1) HERE