UD Almería have begun preparations for a week which will end on Sunday with their Matchday 7 fixture against RCD Mallorca at the Mallorca Son Moix stadium. Third will face fourth, with two sides among the contenders for promotion to the top flight going head-to-head.

There is still a long way to go in the competition, but the fixture represents a stern test for the Rojiblancos.

In their opening 6 league matches, UD Almería have faced 3 of the teams promoted from third-tier Primera RFEF:  CD Eldense, CD Tenerife and RC Celta Fortuna. Now they will play their first match against one of the sides relegated from Spain’s top flight, RCD Mallorca, and will do so at a ground where they have won on their last 3 visits without conceding a goal.

The Mallorca-based side have won 4 consecutive matches, one more than UD Almería and remain unbeaten. They have conceded just 2 goals so far this season, both coming in their only defeat, away to Granada CF.

Sunday’s fixture will be a demanding one, with the Indálicos also having to contend with several important absences. Dzôdić and Cipenga are away on international duty, Rodrigo Ely is recovering from arthritis in his right ankle, while Gui Guedes is continuing his rehabilitation after undergoing surgery. Head coach García Pimienta, meanwhile, will once again have Quim Junyent available after the midfielder completed his suspension.

The squad trained at the Anexo pitch on Monday, with the session focused on recovery for those who started against RC Celta Fortuna and more demanding work for the rest of the squad, players who could just as easily have started the previous league fixture: Fernando, Chirino, Jorge Pulido, Leonardo Lelo, Mikel Vesga, Sergio Arribas, Quim Junyent, Léo Baptistão, Alex Sola, Jon Morcillo and Thalys.

It is therefore no surprise that the head coach explained in his post-match press conference last Sunday that he had a difficult decision to make when selecting his starting XI, with everyone capable of earning a place in the team. UD Almería 'B' goalkeeper Jesús López and midfielder Tomasević also trained with the first team.

UD Almería will have Tuesday off before returning to training on Wednesday. 4 training sessions remain before the squad travel to Palma de Mallorca on Saturday.

The match will take place on Sunday at 4.15pm at the Mallorca Son Moix stadium.