Gonzalo Melero back out there in time
UD Almería are ready for Sunday's vital match against RCD Mallorca. The Rojiblancos have completed one last training session before hosting the Palma de Mallorca side and will get together before the game
UD Almería have completed one last training session before hosting RCD Mallorca at 2pm local time this Sunday (Kick-off 2pm/ Matchday 17/ LaLiga EA Sports). It is the last home fixture of 2023 and also from the first half of the season on home turf. Taking into account this circumstance and not having yet won in the league, it is essential to record the first win.
There is still time to secure league safety even though it looks really difficult. This is the Rojiblancos' great opportunity to reverse the situation this Sunday. 'This is the game,' said Alejandro Pozo a few days ago at a press conference while head coach Gaizka Garitano looked ahead to the meeting by saying: 'This is the most important game.'
After these statements and also bearing in mind the team's positive progress in recent games, achieving a victory is feasible, although rivals RCD Mallorca will not make it easy at all. The footballers from Palma de Mallorca aim to remain above the drop zone looking to reach 20 points at the end of 2023 since afterwards, the Mallorquines will play at home against CA Osasuna.
If we look at the head-to-head statistics, UD Almería won their last LaLiga game last season, on Matchday 35, against RCD Mallorca at the Power Horse Stadium. Now, the Rojiblancos are looking forward to the new visit of the Balearic Islands side to be the turning point that they have been searching for a long time.
UD Almería had a final training session in which Gonzalo Melero, who is in trim, has been participating. Gaizka Garitano has everyone available for selection except those with long-term injuries with the likes of Luis Suárez, Koné, Marezi and Marc Pubill.
Squad list:
Goalkeepers: Mariño (1), Fernando (13) and Maximiano (25).
Defenders: Kaiky (2), Edgar (3), Akieme (15), Alex Pozo (17), Centelles (20), Chumi (21), César Montes (22) and Mendes (24).
Midfielders: Baba (4), Robertone (5), Lopy (6), Ramazani (7), Arnau Puigmal (8), Embarba (10), Melero (11), Baptistão (12), Lázaro (14) and Arribas (19).
Forwards: Rachad (28) and Marciano (34).