Real Oviedo face a high-risk duel this Saturday on the eleventh matchday of LaLiga Hypermotion, visiting leaders UD Almería at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos. The match, kicking off at 21:00, represents a stern test for a Carbayones side sitting ninth in the table with 17 points, having recorded five wins, two draws and three losses from ten games.

The Asturians arrive with confidence after two consecutive wins, the latest a 1-2 victory at AD Ceuta with goals from Samuel Rodríguez de la Riva and Carlos Domínguez, but they face an opponent in formidable form. García Pimienta's Almería have won their last seven league games and eight of their first ten, holding a seven-point lead over Oviedo in the standings. The home side have scored 21 goals, the best attacking record in the league, while Oviedo have netted 13 and conceded 10, giving them a +3 goal difference.

Defensive reshuffle and returns

Julián Calero's coaching staff are working at El Requexón to reorganise their defensive line ahead of the fixture. A positive note is the return to group training of full-back Alexandru Isfan after a month out injured. Also, Illyas Chaira and Estanis Pedrola continue their recovery process and are nearing full availability.

These returns are key for a team that has conceded ten goals in ten matches, though they have also scored thirteen. Striker Carlos Domínguez, with four goals in eight appearances, is the squad's top scorer this season. Coach Calero has scheduled 450 minutes of specific work across the four days of preparation for this match, focused on containing Almería's potent attack.

The leader's challenge

Almería are not only top of the table but have been unbeatable at home, with five straight wins at their ground. Oviedo, meanwhile, are on an inconsistent run of three wins and two losses from their last five matches, a sequence that includes victories over Ceuta and Eibar by 3-1, and defeats to Eldense and Sabadell. They will look to break that pattern away from home, where their last outing was a 4-1 defeat at Eldense.

The Carbayones squad have four days of specific preparation to try and halt the best team in the division so far. Their next fixture is away at the leaders on Saturday 24 October. Following this clash, Oviedo will host Racing de Ferrol at the Carlos Tartiere next weekend.

The original report is at rtpa.es