Almeria seeks their first La Liga win of the 2023-24 season as they face Alaves at Power Horse Stadium on Friday.
Bottom-placed Almeria comes from a 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid, where they led 2-0 at halftime but lost in the 99th minute. Almeria, with six draws and 15 defeats, is determined to improve their record.
Alaves, sitting in 12th place, is in good form, winning their last match 1-0 against Cadiz. Unbeaten since December, they aim to continue their positive run.
Match preview
Almeria showed promise against Real Madrid, leading 2-0 at halftime, but eventually losing. They face Alaves, a team they beat 5-0 in the Copa del Rey in 2021. Almeria struggles at home but drew with leaders Girona recently.
Alaves, promoted last season, aims to avoid relegation. In 2023-24, they’ve exceeded expectations, sitting in 12th place. Unbeaten since December, they won against Sevilla and Cadiz, with Luis Rioja’s penalty securing the latter.
In their earlier encounter this season, Alaves won 1-0 with Aleksandar Sedlar’s goal. Almeria is without Arnau Puigmal, Ibrahima Kone, and Ramazani due to injuries and Africa Cup of Nations commitments. Leo Baptistao returns from suspension.
Team news:
Almeria will be without Arnau Puigmal, Ibrahima Kone, and Largie Ramazani due to injuries and suspension.
They will also miss the services of Iddrisu Baba, Houboulang Mendes, and Marciano Sanca because of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Leo Baptistao is available again after serving his suspension. As for Alaves, they will miss Aleksandar Sedlar due to a long-term injury and Abdel Abqar and Jesus Owono because of their involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Possible starting lineups:
Almeria: (4-5-1)
Maximiano;
Pubill, Kaiky, Gonzalez, Chumi, Akieme;
Arribas, Lopy, Robertone, Baptistao;
Suarez
Alaves: (4-2-3-1)
Sivera;
Gorosabel, Marin, Duarte, Lopez;
Blanco, Guevara;
Vicente, Guridi, Rioja;
Kike Garcia
Prediction: Almeria 1-1 Alaves
Despite Alaves’ good form, Almeria’s recent performances show promise. We predict a draw as both teams aim to secure points in this encounter.