Form and context

Eibar sit third in the Segunda División and host second-placed Almeria in a direct duel at the top, with the visitors just three points clear of the Armeros. Eibar have gone three league games without a win, while Almeria are unbeaten in nine matches across league and cup.

Team news

• Eibar: Lander Olaetxea is the only outfield player without minutes this season, having been available for about a month, and Sergio Álvarez is close to returning to give the coach more midfield options.
• Almeria: Rodrigo Ely and Nico Melamed are ruled out, Mikel Vesga is expected to be in the squad after his ankle injury, and Daijiro Chirino will be assessed after the final training session.

What the numbers say

• Almeria have won their last three away matches and are unbeaten in nine between league and cup.
• Almeria have lost seven of their eight visits to Ipurua, with their only win there coming in 2005/06.
• In all competitions, Eibar's last five read: Cordoba 2-0 Eibar, Eibar 1-1 Mallorca, Oviedo 3-1 Eibar, Albacete 1-3 Eibar and Eibar 3-2 Las Palmas.
• In all competitions, Almeria's last five read: Castellonense 1-2 Almeria, Almeria 2-2 Oviedo, Real Sociedad II 2-4 Almeria, Almeria 3-0 Leganes and Almeria 2-1 Burgos.

Our view

Almeria arrive in stronger form and with the better defensive record, but Ipurua has been a difficult ground for them for two decades. Eibar's recent league run has dipped, yet they remain in the promotion race and a win would pull them level with the visitors.

Most likely outcome: draw - Almeria's unbeaten run and Eibar's home record in this fixture point to a tight, shared result.