Spain look to confirm World Cup spot

After their emphatic 5-1 victory on Saturday, Spain headed to Slovakia knowing that only one of the most remarkable upsets in international football history can deprive them of a place in next year's World Cup.

"In football you can never say that we are already in the World Cup, but we have taken a giant step and we now have a 99.9 per cent possibility of being there," said coach Luis Aragones after Saturday's match.

Aragones can consider changes to his starting line-up, although he is likely to keep faith with the core of the team.

Liverpool's Xabi Alonso is expected to replace the suspended David Albelda as long as he recovers from a minor foot injury, while Valencia striker David Villa could be given a chance in place of hat-trick hero Luis Garcia.

For the Slovaks, captain Miroslav Karhan will be out, having received his second yellow card in the competition for arguing following Spain's second goal on Saturday.

Defender Martin Had will also be missing after being sent off for dissent when Spain were awarded a penalty after 65 minutes.

Slovak coach Dusan Galis said his team's chances of qualifying for their first World Cup were probably gone, but that they would be motivated by pride.

Spain are expecting a hostile reception following complaints from Galis about the Spanish fans and the decisions of Italian referee Massimo De Santis.

The crowd jeered the Slovak national anthem and Galis accused De Santis of favouring the home side.