Match Overview

Albacete will play against Deportivo La Coruna in the 7th round of La Liga 2 on September 28, 2024. Albacete, who is fresh off a strong 4-1 win against Racing Ferrol, wants to keep its strong form and qualify for playoffs. Deportivo has poor results and is facing relegation so far, with only 4 points and a bad away performance. Albacete will be a clear favourite to win this match at Carlos Belmonte Stadium.

Match Details

• Date: 28/09/2024
• Time: 00:30
• Venue: Carlos Belmonte Stadium, Albacete, Spain

Pitch Report

Carlos Belmonte Stadium is equipped with a natural grass surface that is properly maintained. Throughout the years, it has been a pitch of medium importance in the championship, preferred by many attackers, as well as defenders. One may say that it is a reasonable field in order not to protect the ball but to show good football. The pitch is very good in terms of technique, although bad weather can have a certain effect on games.

Points Table

Team A: Albacete Analysis

• Key Player: Higinio is pushing for a start after scoring as a substitute in the last match.
• Probable Playing XI: Bernabe Barragan, Julio Alonso, Djetei, Alvaro Arroyo, Alvaro Rodriguez, Olaetxea, Maikel Mesa, Fran Alvarez, Riki, Higinio Marin, Dani Escriche.

Team B: Deportivo Analysis

• Key Player: Ivan Barbero – Deportivo Likely to be recalled to the starting lineup for a more offensive approach;
• Probable Playing XI: Ian Mackay, Raúl Navarro, Pablo Vázquez, Lapeña, Lebedenko, Rubén Díez, Villares, Lucas Pérez, Barbero, Kuki Zalazar, Quiles.

Dream11 Picks

• Best Picks: Higinio Marin (Albacete), Ivan Barbero (Deportivo), Olaetxea (Albacete), Lucas Pérez (Deportivo).
• Captain: Higinio Marin
• Vice-Captain: Ivan Barbero

Public Opinion

Public opinion appears to be in favour of Albacete, as they secured a thrilling win of 4-1 against Racing Ferrol on their home field. Due to a tangible advantage and a brilliant beginning of the season, most of the fans consider that the team will successfully develop their performance throughout the season and catch the playoffs at the last minute. In turn, the poor performance of Deportivo La Coruna and their results as a visiting team does not inspire a lot of confidence, so even the fact that the team won all their last five matches against Albacete increases the chance for its underdog status.

SWOT Analysis

Albacete

• Strengths: Albacete will have its confidence firmly placed, coming into the game with a 4-1 demolition of the all-time impressive Espanyol. Higinio Marin has been pivotal upfront, with goals flowing from all sections of the midfield. Their home form at Carlos Belmonte has been outstanding. They will be as motivated as ever with the playoffs now within touch.
• Weaknesses: At times their defence has shown signs of struggle, especially with the quick and counter-attacking teams. The absence of Jaume Costa, who suffered a knee injury, will be felt in central defence.
• Opportunities: They have been provided with a solid opportunity. Taking on a Deportivo side that is trading on a low: they seem easy on the losing stance, with the playoff dream still far-fetched. With playoffs on the outskirts, the three points will go a long way.
• Threats: They will be under serious threats, considering the overconfidence that will come along. They should be reminded that from the statistics of the last 3 matchups they have not won any against Deportivo.

Deportivo

• Strengths: Specifically in Albacete’s case, Deportivo’s history of decent results against them can play as a psychological advantage. Additionally, forward Ivan Barbero may return for this match or at the very least be in consideration, thus boosting the visitor’s attacking strength, whereas Lucas Pérez has also been a reliable attacking option.
• Weaknesses: Deportivo’s away form this season has been horrible, and Sergio Escudero will no longer be available from the backline. Moreover, they have not been doing well defensively, consistently leaking goals.
• Opportunities: If Deportivo wins, they will be getting out of the relegation zone and gaining a significant confidence boost. Lastly, they might have a considerable chance from set-pieces due to Albacete’s defensive struggles.
• Threats: There is a significant chance that Deportivo will go for another away win due to their consistent inability to pull it off. Moreover, their concerns in terms of defending have been severe, the current form is worrisome, and their confidence level appears to be unhelpful.

Prediction

Albacete comes into the game as a solid favourite. Firstly, the team has won its last game 4-1 which is very motivating and may result in another success. Secondly, even though Deportivo La Coruna is Unionistas where the team is now, is ranked seventeenth and has little chance to escape from relegation, a significant concern is their recent defensive performance. The guests won only once in their last five games against Oviedo which also facilitated the favourite’s performance. At last, Deportivo’s away record is utterly disappointing while the squad has some injury problems. It is believed that the final score will be 2-0, favouring the host side since now Albacete will need the result, especially after the winning streak.