The FIFA World Cup 2018 took off in fine fashion last night as hosts Russia handed Saudi Arabia a 5-0 thrashing in the first match of the tournament. Today, however, will see big dogs Spain take on the Euro 2016 champions, Portugal, in one of the biggest games of the group stage. Portugal vs Spain LIVE | World Cup Score | Portugal Live | Spain Live Spain will look to brush off all the hubbub surrounding their last-minute managerial change by giving it their all in what could prove to be their most important group stage game. Sergio Ramos and co. will be well aware of what this Portugal side are capable of, with talismanic forward Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks. The Spaniards enter the competition looking to stake a claim for their second FIFA World Cup trophy, having won the 2010 edition in South Africa. Fernando Hierro, Spain's new manager, will certainly understand the significance of this game, and will ostensibly look to field his best possible side to take on Portugal later tonight. How will Spain line up? There will be little doubt as to who Spain's custodian will be. With David de Gea in the side, Hierro will have to look no further than the Premier League Golden Glove winner. Guarding him will be the intimidating pair of Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos and Barcelona's Gerard Pique. Jordi Alba is the most likely pick for the left-back position, while the right-back slot, in Dani Carvajal's absence, could well be gifted to Álvaro Odriozola despite his unimpressive performance in the friendly against Tunisia. The midfield will most likely comprise of Sergio Busquets in the centre, with Andres Iniesta and Thiago Alcantara on either side. Busquets is expected to play an out-and-out holding role, while Thiago will be tasked with maintaining as much possession of the ball as possible. Iniesta will play a more attacking role, drifting forward everytime La Furia Roja have the ball. The front line could see Diego Costa being flanked by Isco and David Silva on either wing, both of whom are more than capable of providing creative inputs. Spain XI and Formation Spain's Predicted Starting XI vs Portugal Spain have faced Portugal 35 times in the past, of which 5 were at the World Cup. Spain won 4 of those while the other encounter witnessed a 1-1 draw. Fernando Hierro's side will look to maintain their unbeaten World Cup record against the Portuguese, as the winner of tonight's game is almost certain to finish atop Group B. Follow Sportskeeda for 2018 World Cup Scores, Latest News & Updates, Match Analysis, Detailed Stats, Fantasy Tips, Controversies, Match Predictions and much more.<doc-sep>Who will start for Spain when they take on Portugal in their opening World Cup match? When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Who will start for Spain in the opening game of their World Cup campaign against Portugal? Spain are expected to make a couple of changes to their starting line-up following defeat to Tunisia in their final World Cup warm-up match. Interim manager Fernando Hierro, who is in charge following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui, was spotted holding a team-sheet at training on Thursday prior to their Group B clash with Portugal. Andres Iniesta, Koke and Sergio Busquets were all named in a midfield three on the sheet, while former Chelsea striker Diego Costa is likely to lead the line up front. Dani Carvajal is returning from injury and may not be fully fit for tonight’s match, meaning Alvaro Odriozola could continue at right-back. Take a look through the gallery above to see how Spain could line up when they take on Portugal.<doc-sep>
World Cup 2018 is up and running with Russia thrashing Saudi Arabia on the opening day. The Euro 2016 champions kickoff their World Cup campaign tonight vs Spain. The 2010 World champions will be a very tough opponent for Portugal but this team is capable of beating anyone on their day. Portugal vs Spain LIVE | World Cup Score | Portugal Live | Spain Live Spain are under new manager, Fernando Hierro, who took over from Julen Lopetegui. The Real Madrid manager was sacked by RFEF after he signed a deal with Los Blancos behind their back. Portugal will try to make the most of the chaos in the Spain camp and steal a win tonight. The European heavyweights are favourites to qualify from Group B and the winner of this game is likely to end up on top of the table. Team News There are no injury concerns for Portugal and that gives Fernando Santos a selection headache. Selecting a partner for Pepe at the heart of the defence and one for Cristiano Ronaldo upfront is going to be the most tedious task. Santos has Jose Fonte, Bruno Alves and Bruno Fernandes to pick from in the defence. All three have been in good touch and have done all they can to earn a starting XI spot. Meanwhile, in the attack, Goncalo Guedes and Andre Silva will be fighting for the starting role beside Ronaldo. Bernardo Silva is expected to play on the right wing with Bruno Fernandes on the left side. Portugal XI and Formation Portugal predicted Starting XI vs Spain This will be the 6th meeting between the two sides at the World Cup. 4 of the previous games have been won by Spain while the other ended as a 1-1 draw. Portugal will be hoping to break the jinx and win for the first time against the Spanish opponents.