Spain vs Iraq Predictions

• Spain haven’t been beaten since losing on penalties to neighbours Portugal in the Nations League final just under a year ago.
• Following a gruelling qualification campaign, Iraq are set to feature at a World Cup for just the second time in history.
• Mikel Merino found the net six times during World Cup qualifying.

Spain to edge close encounter

Next week’s meeting at the Estadio Riazor provides Luis de la Fuente with an ideal opportunity to test the depth of his squad, although the former Sevilla boss will be eager for his team to remain in the habit of winning football matches.

Spain triumphed in five of their six qualifying matches, drawing the other with Turkey after all but guaranteeing their place in this summer’s finals. Those results propelled them to the summit of a potentially tricky group, which also included 1994 World Cup semi-finalists Bulgaria and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s Georgia.

La Roja’s efforts were aided by Mikel Merino, who scored six goals in as many appearances. The Arsenal midfielder returned to action following a four-month lay-off last weekend, as the Gunners celebrated being crowned Premier League champions at Selhurst Park. Merino will be desperate to get some minutes under his belt before Spain’s opening fixture against World Cup debutants Cape Verde, so don’t be surprised if he features from the start on Thursday afternoon.

Most Spanish fans will expect a comfortable home victory in A Coruña, but Iraq are certainly no pushovers. The Lions of Mesopotamia demonstrated immense character throughout their qualification campaign, navigating no less than four rounds in the AFC section before March’s inter-confederation play-off triumph over Bolivia.

Having conceded just 14 goals in their 21 outings, Iraq concluded their successful World Cup qualifying campaign with an exemplary defensive record. Although blessed with an embarrassment of attacking riches, Spain may struggle to break down Graham Arnold’s men.