Four more FC Barcelona internationals in action
After FC Barcelona’s South American internationals went into action on Thursday, Saturday brings games for four of the team’s European stars in World Cup 2018 qualifiers. Let’s take a look at the menu (all times local).
Spain v FYR Macedonia
8.45pm at Nuevo Los Cármenes, Granada
Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto are in former Barça goalie and now Spain manager Julen Lopetegui’s side, but all of Jordi Alba, Gerard Piqué and Andrés Iniesta miss the game through injury.
Spain and Italy currently share the lead with seven points each, and although this should in theory be a fairly routine home win, the former Yugoslav republic gave Italy a big scare in the previous round of matches – a clear indication that they are not to be taken lightly.
Turkey v Kosovo
6.00pm, New Antalya Stadium, Antalya
Croatia v Iceland
6.00pm, Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb
There’s Barça interest in two of the games in Group I. Arda Turan is back for the Turks, who are still looking for their first win after the first three fixtures and now host the also winless Kosovo.
Pole position is currently shared on seven points by Croatia and Euro 2014 quarter finalists Iceland, and those two meet in Zagreb today the same time, with Ivan Rakitic expected to feature prominently for the home side.
More news here