C.D. Leganés play their 13th LaLiga SmartBank fixture of the season at 21:00 (CEST) against U.D. Almería at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos. The Pepineros face the challenge of playing the current best of the division as they try to turn around their poor recent form.
C.D. Leganés play early in this next round of LaLiga SmartBank football, with a mind to get the three points necessary to elevate themselves beyond the relegation zone. Currently two points from safety, a win would make an excellent first step in restoring the Pepineros' league ambitions before the Christmas break. Despite five matches without a win, the Blanquiazules will be taking inspiration from their two recent draws to find the spaces to finally turn results to their favour.
Manager Asier Garitano's squad woes continue this week, leaving him the option of reserve and affilitate players to make up the numbers. While Rubén Pardo serves the first part of his three-game suspension this Friday, alongside the central midfielder are other absences including Bustinza, Omeruo, Quintillà, Doukouré, Avilés, Bárcenas, Sabin Merino and Bautista due to injury and fitness trouble.
U.D. Almería defending their leadership on home territory
U.D. Almería, though they approach this game from the other end of the table, will place no less significance in the outcome of their upcoming match. The Rojiblancos sit pretty at the top of the table with 25 points, one more than S.D. Eibar and four ahead of Real Sporting, who follow in the other pole positions. Additionally, Almería will expect their elecrtric form in recent weeks to put them in good stead for this next fixture, having scored seven across two consecutives league wins against Real Sociedad 'B' (3-1) and C.D. Mirandés (1-4), which makes them the highest scoring team in the division to boot.
Regarding the squad's status for Friday, Rojiblanco coach, Joan Francesc Ferrer, "Rubi", will also have to contend with questions over Juan Villar's availability, given his absence from last week's lineup, and the ongoing injuries of Aitor Buñuel, Robertone and Ramazani.
The fixture will be officiated by the Navarro-born refereer, Sr. D. Iosu Galech Apezteguía.
