- Almeria are winless after 2 home matches in LaLiga 2 (D1, L1), having conceded 5 goals.
- Sporting Gijon have a split record after 2 away matches in LaLiga 2 (W1, L1).
- Sporting Gijon have scored 0.50 and conceded 0.50 away goals per match on average.
A key early-season game in LaLiga 2
7th placed Sporting Gijon will travel to 15th placed Union Deportiva Almeria in LaLiga 2 on Saturday in what could be a pivotal clash in the early stages of the season. The hosts have made a slow start to the campaign, sitting 15th with 5 points from 5 matches, while Sporting Gijon have taken 9 points from the same amount of games, putting them 7th.
Both managers will have an eye on this fixture as an opportunity to build momentum and confidence, as the home side are on a poor run of just 1 win, 2 draws and 2 defeats from their last 5 LaLiga 2 matches, while the visitors are coming off two consecutive defeats after losing their most recent game at home to Burgos CF. This Union Deportiva Almeria vs Sporting Gijon preview highlights just how important this match could be for setting the tone of their seasons.
Almeria favourites to edge close match
Almeria are the clear favourites here at 1.67, while Sporting Gijon are 4.98 underdogs. The bookies are probably right to have the Andalusians as favourites, but there may be some value in backing the draw or the double chance wager given that the last 2 meetings between these sides were both ties, the most recent of which was a 1-1 draw at El Molinon six months ago.
Our Union Deportiva Almeria vs Sporting Gijon prediction is that Almeria could edge this tight contest, but the visitors' strong organization makes the draw a tempting proposition as well. Almeria’s home form will concern Rubi, as they’re winless after 2 games at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos (D1, L1), but their attacking play has been impressive. The Rojiblancos have averaged 3.00 goals per match at home, scoring 6 goals in those two LaLiga 2 games. Meanwhile, Sporting Gijon have a win and a defeat in their two away LaLiga 2 games and are averaging 0.50 goals for and 0.50 against per away match.
Rubi’s Almeria typically try to control the pace of the game by playing a patient build-up style, but they’re also a team that presses and moves the ball quickly when possible, while looking to overwhelm teams with their width and verticality. This will be a completely different contest to Almeria’s previous games in LaLiga 2, as Asier Garitano sets his team up to be pragmatic, compact and risk averse. Sporting’s system is built on the defensive third, with players staying in position, blocking spaces and looking to counter-attack. For those looking to bet, this Union Deportiva Almeria vs Sporting Gijon betting tips suggest focusing on the under 2.5 goals market, given both teams' recent struggles to score consistently.
Sporting Gijon’s key players
Adrián Embarba has been Almeria’s main outlet in attack, scoring 3 of their 6 LaLiga 2 goals this term. Nico Ribaudo has also provided a boost to the frontline since his arrival, scoring 2 of their 6 goals so far. Juan Otero has been Sporting Gijon’s creative engine, providing 5 LaLiga 2 assists in 5 games, helping create all but 1 of their 6 goal total so far. Cesar Gelabert has hit 3 of those goals, providing 50% of the total.
The matchup between Almeria’s possession-based, attacking philosophy and Sporting Gijon’s organised, counter-attacking structure should make for an interesting matchup, where the latter will try to frustrate the favourites and strike on the counter. This Union Deportiva Almeria vs Sporting Gijon prediction takes into account both teams' contrasting styles, and ultimately, the quality in Almeria’s final third should be too much for Sporting Gijon to handle, although both teams are on losing streaks and the previous 2 meetings ended all tied up, so we may be in for a tight encounter. Finally, our Union Deportiva Almeria vs Sporting Gijon prediction is a hard-fought home win or a possible share of the spoils.
