Relegation dogfight beckons as struggling Oviedo visit mid-table Alavés
Alavés host Real Oviedo in a crucial bottom-half clash as both sides look to bounce back after disappointing pre-winter break results.
Mendizorroza plays host to a proper six-pointer this Sunday as Eduardo Coudet’s Alavés welcome relegation-threatened Real Oviedo in a match both sides will be desperate to win after the winter break.
Form Guide
The Basque hosts currently occupy 14th spot with 18 points from 17 matches, sitting somewhat comfortably in mid-table despite recent wobbles. Their pre-break form has been concerning though, with a 3-0 hammering by Osasuna sending them into the holiday period with their tails between their legs.
Things look far more dire for the visitors. The Asturian side, who earned promotion via the playoffs last season, find themselves in serious bother down in 19th position. With just 11 points from 17 games and a measly 7 goals scored all season (the division’s worst attack by some distance), they’re in desperate need of a result.
Managerial Musical Chairs
Oviedo’s struggles have already cost two managers their jobs this season:
- Veljko Paunovic was the first casualty
- Luis Carrión followed him out the door
- Guillermo Almada now faces the unenviable task of steering this sinking ship to safety
Meanwhile, Coudet has kept his position at Alavés despite their inconsistent form. His team have actually lost more matches (9) than all but two sides in the division - their opponents on Sunday being one of them.
Recent Results
Alavés enter this fixture on the back of that comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Osasuna, while Oviedo managed a goalless draw against Celta Vigo in their final match before the break.
The visitors are winless in five, having drawn three and lost two of their last five outings. Their goal difference of -19 tells its own story about their struggles at both ends of the pitch.
Match Details
The clash kicks off at 18:30 local time at Mendizorroza on Sunday, January 4th. Fans can catch all the action live on DAZN.
With both sides desperate for points to avoid being dragged further into relegation trouble, expect a proper battle. As they say in the East End, it could be a right “Danny Dyer” (wire) down there in the relegation scrap if either team slips up.