UD Almería sharpen tools for tough-looking SD Eibar test
Head coach Rubi boasts full firepower up front, but defensive concerns linger ahead of daunting SD Eibar encounter
UD Almería continue to fine-tune preparations for Sunday’s demanding fixture against SD Eibar at Ipurúa Stadium (4:15pm CET). The squad were put through another intense training session at the training base, held behind closed doors, with the same approach planned for the final two sessions on Friday and Saturday at the UD Almería Stadium.
The Rojiblancos face a pivotal moment in their campaign. A draw away to CD Mirandés followed by a home defeat to direct rivals RC Deportivo de La Coruña has increased the urgency for a response, as another setback could see UD Almería slip out of the promotion play-off positions just as the second half of the season gathers momentum.
The objective is clear: rediscover the consistency and balance that defined the team’s impressive 9-match unbeaten run between late September, October and November. That version of UD Almería is what Rubi and his backroom team are striving to recover.
In attack, the gaffer has plenty of reasons for optimism. Nico Melamed is back in contention, while January recruits Miguel de la Fuente and Jon Morcillo have completed a full week of training and are fully integrated into the squad, giving UD Almería their full attacking arsenal.
The picture is less reassuring at the back. Defensive frailties have been exposed recently, with 2 goals conceded in each of the last 5 matches. Bonini has returned to group training but is still building fitness after a long lay-off due to muscle injury. Chumi and Lopy remain unavailable, while Chirino will miss the trip through suspension.
Sunday’s opponents promise no respite. SD Eibar are notoriously difficult to break down at Ipurúa, where they have conceded just 9 goals all season. While goals have not come easily for them, they are ruthlessly efficient when chances arise. History also weighs heavily against UD Almería: 6 defeats and just 1 victory in their last 7 visits underline the Basque stadium’s reputation as a fortress.
A formidable challenge awaits and UD Almería know they must rise to it.