UD Almería head coach Xavier García Pimienta has identified the upcoming trip to visit Córdoba CF as a potential turning point in his team’s bid to secure their first away win of the season.

‘We're facing very tough opponents who not only play with intensity, but also have players of real quality. They offer a lot in possession and can cause you problems. It's a huge challenge. In the 2 away games we have played so far, we've neither achieved the result nor produced the level of performance we wanted,’ the head coach said during his pre-match press conference.

The Barcelona native repeatedly stressed the phrase ‘huge challenge’ and explained what he expects from his side: ‘Why should we show one version of ourselves at home and another away from home? It's a Segunda game, exactly the same as any other. We must not let that affect us and we need to be more solid and consistent. We must be aware that there's a lot at stake. When the season comes to an end, it'll make no difference where you picked up your points. If you're only reliable at home, it simply won't be enough, that is pure statistics.’

García Pimienta also analysed Córdoba CF: ‘For us, it'll be a great test because they're a team capable of challenging near the top of the table. Their style of play is clearly defined and they've had the same head coach for a long time. We need to produce our best performance and finally get rid of this idea that we are one team at home and another away.’

The Nuevo Arcángel Stadium will once again have a strong travelling contingent of UD Almería supporters, with more than 700 UDA fans expected in the stands. García Pimienta highlighted the importance of their support: ‘I know that many people from Almería will be there to support us in Córdoba and for them we want to put in a good performance and secure the win.’

As for the keys to achieving that, the gaffer was clear: ‘We have to take the ball away from them because they use plenty of tactics when they have possession. We also need to protect our goal better and become more solid defensively. If we don't, we won't make it.’

The Rojiblancos' head coach also confirmed that forward Thalys will return after serving his 4-game suspension, describing it as ‘great news’, while providing a positive update on Arribas: 'He's already completed a full training session and provided nothing unexpected happens between now and Saturday, Guedes will be our only absentee through injury.’