Spain will be looking to send a warning to World Cup rivals Ukraine when they take on Russia in Saturday's friendly in Albacete.

Spain coach Luis Aragones believes the clash will be crucial for his team's preparations, bearing in mind their Group H opener against Ukraine on June 14 in Leipzig.

"This is the most important warm up game that we have because Russia is a very similar team to Ukraine and that is the reason we chose them," Aragones said.

"The first games are always important, whether it is a preparation game or a World Cup, and I expect a lot of concentration from my players on Saturday.

"My starting XI against Russia will be very similar to the team that will play in the first game of the World Cup."

The Spaniards have never gone past the quarter-final stages in football's most prestigious tournament but they are looking to go all the way in Germany.

"I am convinced that we are going to win," said Aragones.

"The national team coach that goes to the World Cup without thinking that his team are going to win - it's better that he retires.

"Sometimes the best team doesn't win because it's the team that is better prepared mentally and physically."

Spain will contest Group H alongside Ukraine, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

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