Julen Lopetegui has his Spain XI for the World Cup
There is competition up front with four No 9s for three places on the list
Less than three months to go before the World Cup and Spain coach Julen Lopetegui must whittle his list of players down to 23 to take to Russia.
The last two games have seen the coach repeat various players who will be part of his first team.
De Gea, Carvajal, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Koke, Iniesta and Isco. Thiago played twice too but he will be replaced by Sergio Busquets when back from injury. David Silva is also going to be in the team despite being released from duty against Argentina.
The reality is that only one position in the team is up for grabs. The No 9 slot. Diego Costa has a slight advantage, although sometimes Del Bosque used a false nine there like Fabregas - Marco Asensio or Isco could do that. The team would lose punch, but gain 'fantasy'.
Those 13 players, plus reserve goalkeepers Pepe Reina and Kepa Arrizabalaga mean that just eight more names can be added to the list.
Azpilicueta, Nacho, Odriozola, Marcos Alonso, Monreal, Sergi Roberto and Javi Martínez are defensive options. While in midfield Saúl, Lucas Vázquez, Rodri, Illarramendi and Parejo are vying for slots. Azpilicueta, Nacho, Odriozola, Saúl and Lucas Vázquez, seem surer bets.
Then up front Morata, Iago Aspas and Rodrigo will try to book a place on the plane alongside Diego Costa.
Which striker?
Diego Costa (If fit and in form he will start)
The Atletico striker is favourite for the position.
Álvaro Morata (Form a problem)
Julen Lopetegui has confidence in him but is not getting enough minutes at Chelsea, where he's playing badly. Needs to improve to make it to Russia.
Iago Aspas (Gaining respect)
Each time he plays he delivers. Has goal power and fits in with the moves of La Roja well.
Rodrigo (Improving)
Behind the others but Lopetegui knows him well from the U21 team and that works in his favour.
