Almería v Real Oviedo Prediction and Betting Tip - Odds, H2H and Preview Predictions

Almería v Real Oviedo Prediction:

With most of Europe’s domestic seasons now wrapped up, the focus shifts to the promotion play-offs, and on Saturday night La Liga 2 takes centre stage. In the first leg of the semi-final, sixth-placed Almería welcome Real Oviedo to the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos, the opening chapter of a two-match tie that will decide who keeps their dream of top-flight football alive.

Almería clinched the final play-off berth with 69 points, four clear of Granada in seventh, thanks to a spirited late surge that steadied what had looked a shaky campaign. By contrast, Real Oviedo could be forgiven for feeling hard done by: their 75-point haul was good enough for fourth place, but finished just two shy of Elche and automatic promotion. The margins may be slim, yet the stakes could hardly be higher - 180 minutes, and perhaps extra time, will determine who moves one step closer to joining Spain’s elite next season.

As the match approaches, here is everything you need to know about the clash.

Where to Watch

This match is not available to watch anywhere in the UK.

Key Stats:

• Almeria have scored 72 goals in the league, the most of any side this season
• Oviedo have picked up 30 points on the road this season, the third most in La Liga 2
• Almeria have lost just once at home all season
• Oviedo are unbeaten in 10 games

Almería v Real Oviedo Previews, Form and Players to Watch:

Almería Preview:

Relegated from La Liga last spring, Almería were desperate to bounce straight back but fell just short of the automatic places. The good news is that the play-offs still offer a route home, and they head into Saturday’s first leg in quietly ominous form. The Andalusians have tasted defeat only once in their last six league outings, rattling in 12 goals across that spell. Even more reassuring for coach Rubi is a three-match run without conceding, underpinned by a knack for fast starts: Almería have opened the scoring in seven of their last eight fixtures. After a sluggish first half of the season, they appear to be hitting peak rhythm at precisely the right moment.

Predicted Line Up (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Pubill, Chumi, González, Centelles; Lopy, Clúa; Baptistão, Arribas, Puigmal; Suárez

Almería’s free-scoring reputation rests squarely on the shoulders of Luis Javier Suárez, who has been nothing short of sensational this season. The Colombian forward has racked up a staggering 35 goal involvements, which is nearly half of the club’s entire haul, and has done so with a blend of explosive pace, bullish strength, and an instinctive eye for goal.

He is not completely without support. Veteran forward Léo Baptistão has chipped in with 10 league goals, offering clever movement and the kind of guile that keeps opposing centre-halves honest. Yet, impressive as Baptistão’s contribution is, it merely skims the surface of what Suárez has achieved.

Real Oviedo Preview:

Despite finishing a mere two points shy of the automatic-promotion places, Real Oviedo were never truly in that conversation for most of the campaign. They spent the bulk of the season hovering around fifth or sixth, only vaulting up to fourth thanks to a late surge over the final fortnight. That burst of form means Oviedo arrive in Andalusia on a ten-match unbeaten streak, precisely the springboard a side wants ahead of its biggest fixture so far. They have taken maximum points in five of their last six outings, conceding just three goals in the process. That newly discovered defensive steel will be essential if they are to keep Almería’s red-hot Luis Javier Suárez quiet on Saturday night.

Predicted Line Up (4-2-3-1): Escandell; Vidal, Costas, Calvo, Alhassane; de la Hoz, Colombatto; Hassan, Seoane, Cazorla; Paraschiv

Alemão has been Real Oviedo’s chief threat this season, racking up 18 goal involvements that were pivotal in clinching a play-off place. He may not boast the eye-watering numbers of Almería’s Luis Javier Suárez, yet his movement between the lines and instinctive finishing still make him a real handful for any defence. Form, however, has deserted him of late, just one goal in his last ten outings, so the Brazilian will be desperate to end that drought on Saturday when the stakes could hardly be higher.

Head-to-Head Stats - Almería v Real Oviedo

Recent clashes between the two have rarely been dull, producing 16 goals across the last five meetings. The head-to-head record is virtually even, with Oviedo edging it by two wins to Almería’s one and the other encounters ending in stalemates. Their most recent match, also at Almería’s Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos, finished 1-1, and a similarly tight scoreline would hardly be a shock on Saturday night.

• Almería 1 - 1 Oviedo, February 2024
• Oviedo 3 - 2 Almería, November 2024
• Oviedo 2 - 0 Almería, January 2022
• Almería 2 - 1 Oviedo, June 2021
• Almería 2 - 2 Oviedo, June 2021

Betting Tips for Almería v Real Oviedo

With all of that said, our team of betting experts recommend that the best tip for this game is Almería to Win . With the odds currently at 1.86 on Highbet, a £10 stake could see a potential return of up to £18.60.

(odds subject to change)

Final Prediction:

Because play-off ties are usually tight affairs, this one should be no different, yet we still fancy Almería to nick it.

Almería 2-1 Real Oviedo