Diego Costa has started ahead of Alvaro Morata in Spain's opening World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein in Leon this evening.

The Chelsea striker has been selected for Julen Lopetegui's first competitive game in charge of the 2010 world champions.

Morata, who returned to Real Madrid from Juventus in the summer, was given the nod for last week's 2-0 friendly win over Belgium, but has dropped to the bench after picking up a knock.

Elsewhere in the lineup, Sergi Roberto has replaced Dani Carvajal in defence, which rounds off just two changes to the team that defeated the Red Devils.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Peter Jehle will win his 121st cap tonight as he leads the team out as captain, while Franz Burgmeier, Sandro Wieser, Nicolas Hasler and Marcel Buchel are all handed starting spots.

Spain: De Gea; Roberto, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Koke, Thiago; Silva, Vitolo, Costa

Liechtenstein: Jehle; Rechsteiner, Polverino, Kaufmann, Goppel; Salanovic, Martin Buchel, Wieser, Marcel Buchel, Burgmeier; Hasler

Follow Sports Mole's live text commentary of the match here.