Match Preview: Oviedo vs. Athletic Club

omidbasir- In a rare instance of contrasting circumstances, Oviedo enters this match after two weeks without competition due to the cancellation of their game against Rayo Vallecano, while Athletic Club is coming off a grueling semi-final Copa del Rey match against Real Sociedad. For Guillermo Almada’s side, currently at the bottom of the table, this match represents a critical opportunity, especially following their recent home victory.

Oviedo aims to remain competitive in the fight for survival as they welcome Athletic Club this Sunday, after a controversial postponement last week. Almada faces a setback with the injury of David Costas, a key figure in defense and one of the team’s most utilized players this season, though he is expected to regain Rahim.

The team recently secured a win against Girona at home and has not lost on their own turf since mid-October, accumulating one victory and five draws in the six matches that followed their defeat to Espanyol.

Currently sitting at the bottom of La Liga with 16 points and a game in hand, Oviedo trails the safe zone by seven points. Achieving two consecutive wins for the first time would be a significant stride toward their goal of staying in the top division.

Athletic Club visits Carlos Tartiere with the ambition of securing back-to-back league victories after their win against Levante. The last official visit to Oviedo by the rojiblancos occurred 15 years ago during a Copa del Rey match, which they narrowly won 1-0 with a goal from Óscar De Marcos. In league history, one must look back to 2001, a match that is remembered unfavorably by Athletic fans, as they suffered a 5-0 defeat.

This match comes on the heels of the Copa semi-finals, with Athletic Club facing several absences. However, coach Ernesto Valverde welcomes back several key players, including Sancet and Yuri, who are likely to feature in the squad, though they may not start.

Notably, Dani Vivian remains unavailable as he continues to recover from an adductor injury, and last-minute withdrawal Nico Williams will also miss the match due to ongoing pubic discomfort after participating in four consecutive games.

The matchup will see key attacking players from both teams, with Uruguayan forward Viñas expected to step up for Almada’s men, while Athletic’s Guruzeta will need to deliver if they wish to avoid a challenging end to the season.