De la Fuente's Spain have edged out back-to-back wins over Portugal and Belgium via goals off the bench from Arsenal star Mikel Merino, but he's expected to remain as a substitute against Didier Deschamps' in-form side.
Pedro Porro has pushed ahead of Marcos Llorente as De la Fuente's pick at right-back as part of an unchanged defence for the last three games.
Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring against Belgium, as De la Fuente opted to rest Pedri from the off against the Red Devils in Los Angeles, but the Barcelona star looks certain to come straight back in.
Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal will both start - despite both players not scoring in the last two matches - with the left flank the only debate for De la Fuente.
Alex Baena has been repurposed in the role to good effect, but he's not lasted a full 90 minutes in the tournament, despite starting the last five games.
Ferran Torres replaced him on 55 minutes against Belgium, but Nico Williams' return to fitness could offer a conundrum if Spain look for more natural width, and a counter balance to Jules Kounde's attacking bursts from right-back.
Williams is yet to start at the World Cup - but he started all four knockout matches as Spain won UEFA Euro 2024 - and the Athletic Club forward netted the opening goal in the 2-1 final win over England.