UD Almería may not be setting out with an 8th consecutive victory as their main objective, but they are certainly determined to make it happen by taking all 3 points against Real Oviedo. Nor is maintaining their perfect home record the priority, but they want to keep that run going by beating the Asturias side. Of course, staying top of the Segunda is not the primary aim either, but they want to remain at the summit by claiming all 3 points against their visitors.

What’s done is done and there is little point dwelling on the past. That is why the Rojiblancos are firmly focused on taking things one game at a time. Yet this difficult showdown with Real Oviedo offers the chance to secure all 3 rewards: a record-breaking 8th successive win, an unblemished home record and top spot in the table.

Head coach Xavier García Pimienta kicked off the week’s preparations by looking to sharpen the squad’s intensity. The coaching staff split Tuesday’s session on the training ground’s adjacent pitch between tactical work and small-sided games. The players were put through their paces in a series of fast-paced, end-to-end drills, with defence and attack constantly coming into contact.

Tuesday’s absentees were Vesga, who is still recovering from the ankle sprain he suffered two weeks ago; Chumi, who worked with the rehabilitation coach due to a muscle overload; and Chirino, who picked up a bruise to his right ankle last week. Ely continues to recover from the medical issue previously reported by the Club.

UD Almería still have 3 training sessions remaining before Saturday’s game, which kicks off at 9pm as they prepare for Matchday 11.