Spain's football team coach Luis Aragones (centre) shouts instructions as Ruben de la Red (left) and Xabi Alonso run past during a training session in Las Rozas, just outside of Madrid, yesterday. - ap
madrid, spain (ap)
David Villa and Xabi Alonso appear to be the odd men out with Spain coach Luis Aragones, set to stick to his trusted line-up for the European Championship warm-up match against Peru.
The likely starters for Saturday's friendly practised yesterday afternoon in Aragones' favoured 4-1-4-1 formation, which leaves a single striker up front and a crowded midfield to generate the offence.
Torres to get nod
Fernando Torres, coming off a 33-goal season at Liverpool, is likely to get the nod ahead of his Valencia counterpart Villa, while Villarreal midfielder Marco Senna will assume the defensive midfielder's role instead of Alonso.
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas will also start and carry the offensive expectations starting with Peru.
"Luis has given me an opportunity and if he gives me minutes, I have to take advantage of them with the intention to play them like I do with my team," Fabregas told Radio Marca. "You have to play in your position with the same patience you normally do."
Spain, whose 1964 European Championship win represents their sole major trophy, are looking to rebound from a disappointing World Cup in Germany two years ago when they were eliminated by finalist France at the first knockout stage. Fourth-ranked Spain remain a favourite at the June 7-29 tournament alongside Germany, Italy, France and Portugal.
Warm-ups
The Peru match is one of two warm-ups before Spain opens Euro 2008 against Russia on June 10. They play the United States in the northern coastal city of Santander on June 4.
Sweden and defending champion Greece are also in Spain's group.
Torres' scoring record for the national team hasn't been so productive as his club form, with 15 goals in 47 matches. Villa has scored 13 in 30.
FC Barcelona pair Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez and Valencia winger David Silva will join Fabregas in midfield.
Spain haven't lost since November 2006 - a stretch of 14 games - while mainly using the 4-1-4-1 formation. They beat World Cup champion Italy and France during the current run.
"Right now our strength is possession. At dead-ball moments, it's not our strength but we can overcome this," Villarreal defender Joan Capdevilla told reporters.
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