Alaves vs Real Oviedo: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview

On Sunday, Alaves will host Real Oviedo at Mendizorroza for their initial La Liga match of 2026. Alaves currently holds the 14th position in the league, while Oviedo is situated in 19th, struggling to avoid relegation.

Match Preview: Alaves vs Real Oviedo

However, Alaves are looking to turn their fortunes around after a tumultuous end to 2025. The team concluded the year with five losses in their last six league matches. Their only saving grace was a narrow victory against Real Sociedad on December 6. Yet, they fell short against teams like Real Madrid and Osasuna subsequently.

After accumulating 18 points from 17 matches, Alaves improved their performance from the previous season but remain just three points above the relegation zone. The team has had some success at home recently, winning four of their last seven competitive matches. Notably, they have a strong record against Oviedo, winning their last five home encounters, including a 2-1 victory during their last meeting in October 2022.

Real Oviedo’s Struggles

Real Oviedo’s long-awaited return to La Liga has not gone as planned. After achieving promotion, the team has faced significant challenges, including a managerial shake-up. Veljko Paunovic’s brief tenure ended after eight matches, leading to the hiring of Luis Carrion, who struggled to improve the situation.

Currently led by Guillermo Almada, who previously managed Real Valladolid, Oviedo has not tasted victory in ten league matches. They are also the lowest-scoring team in La Liga, with only seven goals this season. A productive offensive approach is crucial if they hope to overcome the five-point gap to safety.

Team News and Lineups

For Alaves, striker Lucas Boye’s availability remains uncertain due to previous injury concerns. Defender Victor Parada will miss the match due to suspension, while Youssef Enriquez is likely to step into the left-back role. Winger Carlos Vicente may also feature in the starting lineup.

Real Oviedo faces additional challenges with potential absences. Players including Nacho Vidal, Ovie Ejaria, and Alvaro Lemos are expected to be unavailable. However, David Carmo, returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, should be fit to play. Haissem Hassan may also be a consideration for the starting eleven.

Possible Lineups

As the match approaches, analysts predict a tightly contested game. Given the current form of both teams, a low-scoring affair is anticipated. With Alaves needing only one goal to secure victories recently, they may just edge past Oviedo in this matchup.