The first round of LaLiga 2 closes on Monday evening with the late match at the Power Horse Stadium, where hosts Almeria take on Albacete: two teams with different ambitions, but both determined to start the season on the right foot. The hosts want to bounce back immediately after last season’s disappointment, which ended in sixth place and elimination in the playoff semifinals against Real Oviedo, who then earned promotion. Cesc Rubi’s team makes no secret of their intentions: secure direct promotion by finishing first or second, returning to the top flight after two years without going through the playoff lottery. The competition will be fierce, but the home opener against the Castilian side looks on paper like a favorable opportunity. Albacete, on the other hand, start the season with the aim of achieving a safe mid-table finish, keeping a comfortable distance from the relegation zone. Exactly what they achieved last season, finishing tenth after placing thirteenth the year before. To do so, the club strengthened the squad by signing several free agents, raising the team’s experience level but inevitably also its average age. While there is optimism around Roberto Gonzalez’s side, the clash against Almeria remains a tough one: the Andalusians are among the promotion favorites and, in front of their home crowd, will want to send a clear message to all rivals.

Almeria's Recent Form and Key Stats

During preseason, Almeria alternated between excellent performances, such as a 3-2 win over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, and less convincing ones, like defeats against Elche and Malaga. Among the standout players were wingers Embarba and Arribas, both on the scoresheet in the last test against the Saudis.

Last season in LaLiga 2, the Andalusians finished sixth with 69 points, the result of 19 wins, 12 draws, and 11 defeats. Their main strength was undoubtedly the attack, the best in the entire league with 72 goals in 42 matches (1.7 per game). The defense, however, proved vulnerable, conceding 1.3 goals per match—an aspect that needs improvement if they truly aim for promotion.

Albacete's Recent Form and Key Stats

After beating Villarreal B U23 and Cartagena, Albacete ended their preseason with a 1-0 defeat to Castellon, another LaLiga 2 side. Beyond the result, considering it was only a summer friendly, the performance was worrying since the Castilian side never really threatened the opponent’s goalkeeper.

Albacete finished mid-table last season, claiming tenth place with 58 points (15 wins, 13 draws, 14 defeats). Alberto Gonzalez’s team scored and conceded the same number of goals, ending with an average of 1.4 goals scored and conceded per match. In attack, they lacked a true striker, as no player in the squad reached double figures.

Almeria vs Albacete Prediction and tactical overview

The BetMines algorithm sees the home side as clear favorites, thanks to both home advantage and the positive record in recent meetings between the two teams. Cesc Rubi’s side boasts an excellent home trend, having lost just one of their last 18 LaLiga 2 matches at the Power Horse Stadium.

As for head-to-heads, Almeria have won five of their last home games against Albacete, conceding only two draws. Another factor pushing the prediction towards the Andalusians is the greater quality and depth of their squad, built with the clear goal of winning promotion.

• Almeria vs Albacete Prediction by BetMines: Home win (1) with 55% probability
  
  
• Almeria vs Albacete Prediction by BetMines: Draw (X) with 26% probability
  
  
• Almeria vs Albacete Prediction by BetMines: Away win (2) with 19% probability

Probable lineups Almeria vs Albacete

ALMERIA (4-2-3-1): Andreas, Chirino, Bonini, Chumi, Alex Munoz; Lopy, Selvi; Soko, Arribas, Embarba; Baptistao. Coach: Cesc Rubi

ALBACETE (4-2-3-1): Marino; Gamez, Pepe, Vallejo, Gomez; Riki, Melendez; Medina, Puertas, Morcillo; Betancor. Coach: Alberto Gonzalez