Get ready for an exciting match as Almeria takes on Castellon in the Segunda Division. These teams are keen for some crucial points. Set for September 16, 2024, at 20:30, this game will take place at the lively Power Horse Stadium in Almeria. Fans will surely make it an intense atmosphere.
Almeria has had a bumpy start to their season after coming down from La Liga. They're sitting 12th on the table with just 5 points. They recently lost 1-0 to Eldense, but the team isn't giving up hope. It's still early, and they are focusing on climbing back up with high promotion hopes. Their top scorer, Luis Suarez, has only one goal so far, so they know they need to boost their offense.
On the flip side, Castellon is adapting to life back in the Segunda Division after being promoted. They’re currently 14th with 4 points. Their last game was a tough 1-3 loss to Cadiz. With seasoned coach Dick Schreuder at the helm, they have faith in their new signings. Like Almeria, Castellon’s main goal threat, Alex Calatrava, also has only one goal, pointing out their shared struggle in scoring this season.
Almeria has a better record in recent encounters between these teams, winning four out of five past meetings. Castellon did win one, though, and they'll be looking to break that pattern. Almeria seems the favorite, especially with home advantage, but Castellon won’t back down easily. They aim to change the story of their past results.
Almeria vs Castellon Prediction & Betting tip
This game should be closer than the standings suggest. Almeria has an edge with their home crowd, yet both teams have weak defenses, which might lead to a goal-filled match. Bettors might find an interesting angle in betting on over 2.5 goals, given the leaky defenses and the need for both teams to attack.
| Almeria vs Castellon Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Over 2.5 goals | Recommended bet |
- Prediction: Playing at home, Almeria could use their strong past against Castellon to push for a high-scoring game.
- Odds: Almeria has odds of 2.14 to win, with a draw at 3.35, and Castellon winning at 3.10.
- Key Factors: Home-field gives Almeria a boost, plus their past success in this matchup is worth noting, especially if both teams' defenses falter.
Almeria vs Castellon Odds
When you look at the odds for this game, they suggest it will be tight and could go either way. Here's how the odds stack up:
| Almeria vs Castellon Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Almeria Win | 2.14 |
| Draw | 3.35 |
| Castellon Win | 3.10 |
Despite being slightly favored, Almeria’s home-ground advantage doesn't make this an easy game. Castellon stands as strong challengers thanks to their improvements and experience. Both sets of odds indicate a hard-fought battle, with some unexpected turns due to both teams' shaky defenses.
Almeria Team Analysis
Almeria Recent Performance
Almeria's form in the Segunda Division has been mixed. In their last five games, they've won once, drawn twice, and lost twice. A notable victory over Tenerife and a thrilling 2-2 draw with Racing Santander highlight what they can do. But their recent close loss to Eldense shows areas to improve.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Almeria | Eldense | 0-1 |
| Racing Santander | Almeria | 2-2 |
| Almeria | Tenerife | 2-0 |
| Sporting Gijón | Almeria | 0-0 |
| Almeria | Albacete | 1-2 |
They've scored five but leaked seven goals in these matches, indicating defensive issues. Holding Sporting Gijón to a 0-0 draw shows they're trying to shore up the backline. Coach Rubi is known for his tactical skills and is working hard to get the team back on track for promotion. Playing at their home ground gives Almeria a crucial edge as they aim to rise through the ranks.
Almeria Key Players
At the heart of Almeria’s attack is Luis Suarez, their top scorer, who is well known for his energy and skill up front. Another key player is midfielder Marc Pubill, who has even attracted attention from Barcelona with his standout performances.
Forward Ibrahima Koné is one to watch, though the team is cautious about his health. Lucas Robertone has also been key, scoring in the win against Tenerife, and adds depth to their attack. Coach Rubi's strategies are vital in maximizing these players' potential, melding youthful passion with tactical play. Midfielders Leo Baptistao and Sergio Arribas have contributed well of late, blending experience with a fresh approach.
Almeria Suspensions & Injuries
Thankfully, Almeria doesn’t have major suspensions going into the game against Castellon, giving them more flexibility in player choices. However, Ibrahima Koné remains under health observation.
| Player | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ibrahima Koné | Monitoring | Health issue (fainting episodes) |
| Suspensions | None reported |
To fend off fatigue, the coaching team uses smart player rotations and fixed recovery plans to keep the squad in peak condition. These elements are pivotal for Almeria’s promotion dreams, relying not only on the team’s strength but their fitness levels.
Almeria Tactics and Formation
With coach Rubi’s sharp guidance, Almeria tends to stick to a setup that balances defense with attack. Likely to go for a 4-4-2, they'll focus on maintaining a solid defense while letting their attackers, including Suarez, have creative freedom.
They plan to exploit weaknesses in the opponent’s defense, combining midfield pressure with fast use of the wings. Their home advantage aims to ensure control over possession and pace, crafting chances and ideally dominating the game.
Castellon Team Analysis
Castellon Recent Performance
Despite being newcomers, Castellon has shown they can compete. They’ve chalked up a win, two draws, and two losses in their last five games. Beating Burgos CF was a highlight, and they also held Valencia to a 0-0 draw in a friendly match.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Castellon | Cadiz | 1-3 |
| Valencia (Friendly) | Castellon | 0-0 |
| Burgos CF | Castellon | 0-1 |
| Castellon | Racing Club Ferrol | 2-2 |
| Castellon | Castellon B | 4-1 |
They lost recently to Cadiz, but with three clean sheets in five matches, they’re showing potential. Under coach Dick Schreuder, their tactics aim to adapt quickly to the Segunda Division’s demands with hopes of eventually stabilizing at the top tier.
Castellon Key Players
Alex Calatrava is the driving force in Castellon’s offensive plays. A new signing, Lars Veldwijk, adds flair and strength to their attacking options.
On the defensive side, Manu Sanchez is the robust core, helping fortify their defense. In midfield, Mats Seuntjens is pivotal in bridging the attack, offering creative plays and precision. The mix of seasoned and emerging talent is promising for the squad under Schreuder’s smart management.
With financial backing from Greek-Canadian owner Haralambos Voulgaris, Castellon is well-equipped and organized for the challenges of rising through the ranks. They’re making strides both on and off the field to meet their season goals.
Castellon Suspensions & Injuries
Dealing with the inevitable injuries, Castellon is mostly healthy, keeping key players match-ready. A few players are under ongoing fitness watch, but the team is proactive about restoration and readiness.
| Player | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Suspensions | None | |
| Injuries | None significant | Player fitness being maintained |
Strategic rotation and preparation of the squad help maintain performance, balancing health with tactical goals to avert mid-season dips.
Castellon Tactics and Formation
Castellon likes to keep its tactics versatile under Schreuder’s guidance. A 4-3-3 lineup is expected. Depending on how the game unfolds, they might switch to a 4-2-3-1, allowing flexibility, especially on defense.
They focus on ball control, using full-backs for overlaps, to keep up attacking pressure. The pace and width of their attacking trio aim to create frequent chances and challenge the opposing defenses.
Their game plan involves stopping counterattacks while creating their own opportunities from retrieving the ball. Castellon’s approach is to adapt and remain strong throughout the Segunda Division battles.
Home team vs Away team Head-to-Head Statistics
When Almeria and Castellon face off, history sides more often with Almeria. They have won four out of the last five games against Castellon. Yet, Castellon managed to grab a victory, a reminder they can turn the tables.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Almeria | Castellon | 3-1 |
| Castellon | Almeria | 2-4 |
| Almeria | Castellon | 1-0 |
| Castellon | Almeria | 0-1 |
| Almeria | Castellon | 2-2 |
Their last clash was a 3-1 win for Almeria, underlining their psychological edge. With an average of three goals per match recently, fans and bettors have every reason to expect lots of action. Castellon’s challenge will be to upset Almeria’s dominance and bring belief to their own side in this matchup.
Venue and Weather
The stage is set at the Power Horse Stadium in Almeria for this exciting contest. The stadium, with a 22,000-capacity, will buzz with enthusiastic local fans.
The weather on September 16 should be great for football, with a mild temperature of 26.19°C and cloudy skies. These friendly conditions allow for spirited play. The light breeze at 4.43 m/s means the weather won't interfere with the action on the field.
These factors favor Almeria, who know their home conditions well. For Castellon, without worrying about extreme weather, it will be all about sticking to their game plan. Expect a tactical battle from both teams, spurred by eager support and ideal playing conditions for a thrilling experience.
