Real Oviedo vs Alavés – News and Probable Lineups

Alaves will aim to continue their quest for La Liga survival as they head to the Estadio Carlos Tartiere for Sunday’s matchup with Real Oviedo.

The away team enters the penultimate round in 16th position, while the already-relegated hosts have found themselves at the bottom of the table.

Match overview

Having achieved promotion through the Segunda Division playoffs, Oviedo has faced challenges in showcasing the performance level necessary to thrive in their first top-flight campaign since 2000-01.

Last Monday, their relegation was confirmed following Girona’s 1-1 stalemate with Rayo Vallecano, leaving them with only their pride to defend during Thursday’s away encounter against Real Madrid.

Sadly for Oviedo, their first visit to the Bernabeu in 25 years ended in a 2-0 loss, although it provided a touching moment as Spanish football legend Santi Cazorla was applauded upon his arrival as a second-half substitute in what could be his last appearance in one of the nation’s iconic grounds.

The lifelong Oviedo supporter is poised to make his final appearance at the Carlos Tartiere in front of his loyal fans.

Cazorla will be keen to assist his team in securing their seventh league win and their fifth at home.

Guillermo Almada’s squad might feel optimistic about securing at least a point, having avoided defeat in four of their last five matches at home, though they have not secured a win in their past three at the Carlos Tartiere.

On the other hand, Alaves is engaged in an intense struggle to extend their top-tier status into a fourth successive year.

They boosted their chances of survival with a recent 1-0 victory over the newly-crowned La Liga champions Barcelona, who seemed to be feeling the aftereffects of their title-clinching Clasico win.

Alaves capitalized on a considerably altered and lethargic Barcelona team, with Ibrahim Diabate netting the sole goal that propelled El Glorioso to their first home win against them since December 2001.

Following that win, Alaves advanced to 16th place in the rankings, moving a point ahead of the relegation zone ahead of matches against Oviedo and Rayo Vallecano, the latter of which they will face just days prior to the Conference League final.

Quique Sanchez Flores is hopeful his team can reach 43 points with a victory on Sunday; however, achieving that may be challenging for a squad that has managed just one win in their last seven away fixtures (D3, L3).

Additionally, they have not won a competitive away encounter at Oviedo since narrowly winning 1-0 in January 1980.

Team News

Oviedo is likely to miss the midfield pair of Leandro Dendoncker and Ovie Ejaria due to injuries.

Defender Javi Lopez and midfielder Kwasi Sibo are expected to return to the starting lineup following one-match suspensions in midweek.

Almada has already stated that Cazorla will start, making it a poignant day for the 41-year-old.

For Alaves, there are uncertainties regarding the fitness of Lucas Boye, while Facundo Garces continues to serve a FIFA ban.

Ville Koski is looking to retain his spot ahead of Jonny Otto after impressing in his first starting opportunity following his loan from Istra 1961 in January.

Pablo Ibanez could re-enter the lineup if Sanchez Flores decides to rotate his midfield following the exertions of Wednesday’s victory over Barcelona.

Real Oviedo probable starting XI:

Escandell; Vidal, Costas, Calvo, Lopez; Sibo, Colombatto; Chaira, Cazorla, Hassan; vines

Alaves probable starting XI:

Sivera; Perez, Tenaglia, Koski, Parada, Rebbach; Guridi, Blanco, Ibanez; Martinez, Diabate

After their victory against the champions, Alaves will likely be favored to secure three points in Sunday’s matchup, yet their recent away form indicates it may not be an easy challenge.

Oviedo will also be eager to put forth a strong performance in their final home game and Cazorla’s last match at the Carlos Tartiere, and considering that we anticipate they could frustrate the visitors in a high-scoring draw.