AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-08-27 18:59 UTC
Sabadell and Almeria clash in early season test at Nova Creu Alta
Saturday afternoon at the Estadi Nova Creu Alta sees Sabadell host Almeria for matchday 3 of the LaLiga2 campaign. With a new playing surface laid and a capacity crowd expected, the atmosphere promises to be as intense as the tactical battle on the pitch.
Expectations for the starting lineups
Both sides are preparing for a demanding contest, with managers likely to lean on established personnel to navigate the early weeks of the season. Sabadell are expected to line up with Diego Fuoli in goal, supported by a defensive unit featuring Miquel Codina and Edgar Gonzalez. In the midfield, the hosts are projected to deploy Oscar Sanz, Albert Orriols, Pere Pons, and Quadri Liameed, tasked with feeding forwards Nicholas Gioacchini and Joel Priego.
Almeria are expected to look toward Andres Fernandez in goal, protected by a five-man defensive line including Stefan Dzodic, Alex Munoz, and Jorge Pulido. The midfield engine room should feature Alex Sola and Mikel Vesga, while Miguel de la Fuente, Adrian Embarba, and Nico Ribaudo lead the attacking line. Both sets of expected lineups reflect a desire for stability as the teams look to establish their rhythm in the division.
Sabadell’s defensive resilience
Sabadell enter the match having shown a disciplined approach in their opening fixtures. Their recent form, which includes consecutive goalless draws against Castellon and Sporting Gijon, highlights a side that is difficult to break down. This defensive solidity is reflected in their broader run, where they have kept clean sheets in half of their last 10 matches.
Almeria seeking a response
Almeria arrive looking to bounce back from a narrow defeat to Tenerife in their most recent outing. Manager Xavi García Pimienta has publicly called for a different face from his squad, emphasizing the need for greater control and intensity. Having opened their campaign with a victory over Eldense, the visitors are keen to prove that their recent away setback was merely a temporary hurdle.
A history of competitive meetings
Matches between these two clubs have historically been open affairs. Their most recent encounter in January 2021 ended in a 2-2 draw, while Almeria claimed a 2-1 victory in November 2020. Looking back further to the 2012-13 season, the fixtures were characterized by high-scoring outcomes, including a 5-1 win for Almeria and a 3-0 success for Sabadell, suggesting that when these two meet, the game often opens up.
Tactical battle and physical demands
The tactical narrative is framed by García Pimienta’s assessment of Sabadell as a highly aggressive opponent. Almeria are clearly preparing for a physical, high-contact game, anticipating that the hosts will look to disrupt their flow. With the introduction of a new pitch at the Nova Creu Alta and the pressure of a near-capacity crowd, the match will test both teams’ ability to maintain composure under significant environmental strain.
Almeria
4-2-3-1
● Confirmed
24
de la Fuente
7
↓58′
Morcillo
10
↓58′
Ribaudo
23
↓58′
Embarba
6
↓76′
Vesga
29
Dzodic
3
Munoz
18
Bonini
5
Pulido
22
↓77′
Chirino
1
Fernandez
Bench (11)
Leo Baptistao ↑58′ · Brian Cipenga ↑58′ · Quim Junyent ↑58′ · Marcos Luna ↑76′ · Alex Sola ↑77′ · Nelson Monte · Fernando Martinez · Rodrigo Ely · Juan Brandariz · Jesus Lopez · Gui Guedes
Coach · Garcia Pimienta
Confirmed by FIFA officials.
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