MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina: Argentina could win all five rubbers in this weekend's Davis Cup final, a confident home team captain Alberto Mancini said before their clash against Spain who will be without world number one Rafael Nadal.

The knee injury to the French Open and Wimbledon champion Nadal, which also meant he missed the season-ending Shanghai Masters, has taken some of the lustre out of this contest which runs from Friday to Sunday in Mar del Plata. An optimistic Mancini said at the Islas Malvinas stadium on Tuesday: "Today, I would say we can win all five points. The boys are playing very well in practice."

Argentina's number one Juan Martin del Potro has been the main concern for the team, as he has had the least time to adjust to the court having arrived last from a 27-hour flight from Shanghai. But Mancini was happy with del Potro's recovery and the man himself was confident that he will be on top form on Friday.

Mancini added however that without Nadal the match would be far from easy. "I've always said that even without Nadal, Spain is a dangerous team. We can't completely relax," he added.

The absence of Nadal was initially a huge blow for both finalists, but both captains were adamant that it no longer affects the teams and that the motivation still remains the same. "Of course it's natural that it changes your mental state, but it doesn't change our focus," added Davis Cup veteran David Nalbandian.

"At the end of the day, it doesn't matter who is in front of us," he added.

Del Potro revealed he has no preference for whom he may face on Friday. "Both are difficult. Lefthanders on this type of court are always a problem. With Lopez you probably get shorter rallies which would be better for my physical shape."

Argentina's doubles will undoubtedly feature either Agustin Calleri and Jose Acasuso, who have both been working hard on their service returns with the prospect of facing two lefthanders in the doubles, and the Spanish have brought Marcel Granollers, who could be called up to make his Davis Cup debut in Saturday's doubles.

Speculation will have to remain, however, until on Thursday, when the line-up will be decided.