Brian Cipenga ↑66′ · Quim Junyent ↑66′ · Leo Baptistao ↑81′ · Marcos Luna ↑81′ · Mikel Vesga ↑88′ · Nelson Monte · Rodrigo Ely · Jon Morcillo · Fernando Martinez · Juan Brandariz · Jesus Lopez · Alex Sola
Coach · Garcia Pimienta
Match Preview
Almeria vs Eldense Match Preview
AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-08-15 19:36 UTC
Almeria host Eldense in LaLiga2 season opener
Almeria begin their LaLiga2 campaign at home against Eldense at the UD Almeria Stadium, marking the start of a new league season. The matchday 1 fixture presents an immediate opportunity for both sides to set the tone for the upcoming campaign.
Almeria's new project
Almeria embark on the new season with a fresh project and a new setup, bringing with them early-season expectation and pressure to deliver a strong opening performance. Reports suggest the coaching staff have already settled on a planned starting XI, indicating a degree of certainty in their approach for the season opener. The club's ownership and overall structure have undergone changes, adding a layer of transition to their preparations.
Eldense's pre-season challenges
Eldense have faced a challenging pre-season, with recent friendly results including a 3-0 defeat to Valencia and a 1-2 loss against Millwall. Their last competitive fixture was a 3-0 loss to Real Murcia in the Primera Federacion - Group 2 on 24 May 2026. This suggests a need for the team to find their footing quickly as they step into the new LaLiga2 season.
Recent encounters
The head-to-head record between Almeria and Eldense shows a mixed picture. Eldense secured a 2-1 victory in the Copa del Rey on 3 December 2025, but Almeria responded with a dominant 5-0 win in LaLiga2 on 4 May 2025. Earlier in the 2024-2025 season, Eldense managed a 1-0 win over Almeria in LaLiga2 on 8 September 2024. These past results highlight that the fixture can be unpredictable.
Tactical outlook
Pre-match analysis leans towards Almeria aiming to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game, with Eldense expected to adopt a more conservative approach. The prevailing expectation is for a low-scoring encounter where Almeria might hold the upper hand on home turf. The scheduling of the match on a Monday night, rather than the weekend, has given Almeria an extra day for preparation, a slight advantage noted by local reports.
Key personnel
Almeria's expected starting XI features a forward line including Miguel de la Fuente, Jon Morcillo, and Nico Ribaudo, supported by midfielders Mikel Vesga and Alex Sola. The defence is expected to be marshalled by Stefan Dzodic, Alex Munoz, Federico Bonini, Rodrigo Ely, and Daijiro Chirino, with Andres Fernandez in goal. Eldense's predicted lineup sees Manuel Nieto leading the attack, with Fidel Chaves and Borja Calvo in midfield, and a defence comprising David Ruiz, Floris Smand, Alex Serradell, and Jesus Clemente, protected by goalkeeper Ramon Vila. With no key absences reported for either side, both teams are expected to field their strongest available lineups.
ERNIE
Tip:Over 2.5 goals @ odds 1.67✓ Won
▾
