Spain give Guti the nod

Guti back in favour 
Guti is included for the first time by Sáez, having made the last of his three international appearances under previous coach José Antonio Camacho. The uncapped Capdevila and midfield player Capi from Real Betis Balompié are the other novelties in the group.

Tristán returns
Meanwhile, Deportivo striker Diego Tristán, top scorer in last season's Primera División, returns to the fold having recovered from the ankle injury he sustained at the FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan.

Dramatic comeback
Tristán announced his comeback against Deportivo Alavés last weekend, scoring one goal and winning the free-kick that resulted in the other in a 2-1 victory.

Injury cover
Sáez has named enough players to provide cover should anyone drop out through injury. This is the case with Madrid forward Raúl González, who was substituted in the 3-3 UEFA Champions League draw with AEK Athens FC because of a muscle injury and is unlikely to play against Alavés on Sunday.

Madrid contingent
As usual, Madrid have contributed most players, with goalkeeper Iker Casillas, defenders Míchel Salgado and Raúl Bravo, midfield player Iván Helguera, striker Morientes, plus Guti and Raúl all included.

Points in the bag
Spain, who won their first qualifier 2-0 in Greece last month, play Northern Ireland in Albacete before hosting Paraguay on 16 April in Logroño.

Spain squad
Casillas, Contreras, Raúl Bravo, Capdevila, Salgado, Puyol, Marchena, García Calvo, Juanito, Capi, Albelda, Helguera, Mendieta, Xavi, Baraja, Joaquín, Vicente, Guti, Tamudo, Raúl, Morientes, Tristán.