First practice accomplished as eyes turn to away match against Ponferradina
The Rojiblancos trained with the aim of doing their best to remain within the table VIP zone
After Tuesday off once last Monday’s home match against Alcorcón was over, Almeria are back in training at the Anexo Juegos Mediterraneos. The players’ eyes now turn to their next trip to North Spain so as to take on SD Ponferradina at the El Toralín Stadium.
Nikola Maraš is back into the frame after serving a one-game suspension, while Sadiq will be out of action due to accumulation of yellow cards. The Nigerian centre-forward and Alex Centelles did not join the squad in the first of the four training sessions planned ahead of outing to Ponferrada (Castilla y Leon). The top scorer has permission from the club to get some papers in order before getting back into the fold this Thursday, whereas the Valencia-born left-back has some ankle discomfort.
The rest of the UD Almeria players are available for selection and willing to become the best version of themselves away from home at El Toralín Stadium in order to be able to remain in the table VIP zone. In spite of sharing the spoils with Alcorcón last Monday, Almería are still in the second automatic promotion spot to the top flight. The UD Almeria first-team will play SD Ponferradina this Sunday knowing beforehand their league direct rivals’ results since Mallorca, Espanyol, Leganés and Sporting de Gijón are to play their league matches on Saturday.
After a pep talk on the Anexo’s grass, the squad worked on tactics and drills to improve their ability to finish off among other aspects of the game, to kick off preparations before LaLiga SmartBank Matchday 30. SD Ponferradina, with several former Rojiblancos in the squad, such as Gianfranco, Adri Castellano, Aguza -he will not be able to play because of a clause in his loan agreement-, Gaspar and Romera, will go into the match with their play-off hopes in their own hands. The players from El Bierzo managed to beat Rayo Vallecano and CD Leganés at home, among other competitive second-tier sides, and drew with Sporting de Gijon after coming back from down 0-2 to snatch a point last Sunday.