World Cup 2018 is now just a matter of days away and several major contenders have already landed in Russia after they completed their final warm-up matches.

But how are they shaping up? Which players are in form and will the head coaches be forced into any last-minute tactical tweaks?

Here, we review where Spain find themselves ahead of Friday’s Group B opener against Portugal at Fisht Stadium:

FRIENDLY RESULTS

A 1-1 draw against Switzerland to start the month contained the worrying sight of Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea uncharacteristically fumbling for AC Milan left-back Ricardo Rodriguez’s leveller. Their friendly commitments wound up with Saturday’s slender 1-0 victory against Tunisia, courtesy of a late goal from Celta Vigo’s Iago Aspas.

WHO IS IN FORM AND WHO IS IN A SLUMP?

Real Sociedad flyer Alvaro Odriozola’s rocket against the Swiss looked to have ended worries about Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal’s fitness. But a slip-up against the Tunisians would have been punished by Cristiano Ronaldo in Friday’s Group B opener versus Portugal. Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul will be frustrated by just 35 minutes of action.

TACTICAL TWEAKS

Head coach Julen Lopetegui appears convinced by the merits of his 4-2-3-1 formation. Within this, Nacho’s superior defensive acumen should see him get the nod as Carvajal recuperates for at least the first two games. Up top, it is a three-way battle between Atletico’s Diego Costa, Aspas and Valencia’s Rodrigo. Barcelona veteran Andres Iniesta should hold on at left wing.

BURNING QUESTION

Spain’s pass masters represent an orchestra in full sync – that is until you reach centre forward. Lopetegui started Costa versus the Swiss, but his heavy metal approach jarred with the aesthetes that surrounded him. Even though Aspas came off the bench to score against Tunisia, expect that game’s starter – Rodrigo – to get the nod this week.