Álvaro Hernández
Dailysports's expert
On January 17, the "Estadio Municipal Cartagonova" will host a match in the 23rd round of the Spanish Segunda, where "Cartagena" will face "Oviedo." For this match, I suggest betting on goals/cards/winner.
Cartagena
This season, the team celebrates an anniversary, though modest by Spanish standards—just their 30th year. During this short time, "Efese" have managed to climb into the Segunda, spend three seasons there, get relegated, and stay out for a long time. However, since 2020, they have been a regular presence in the Segunda and finished last season in 14th place.
Currently, Alejandro Castro's team has slipped into a direct battle for survival. By mid-winter, the situation looks almost hopeless: only "Tenerife" is worse off, and the gap from the safe zone is becoming alarming. Against "Racing Ferrol," they failed to score but managed to earn a point in a 0-0 draw.
Oviedo
Last season, the club had the chance to break its status as a Segunda mid-table team. They reached the playoffs somewhat by chance, with the same 64 points as "Santander." As the sixth-placed team, they eliminated "Eibar" in the playoffs and exchanged wins with "The Parakeets," but the latter advanced by scoring more in the decisive round.
Now, under Javier Calleja, "Los Carbayones" are trying to maintain their top-6 position. So far, they are succeeding, though the 2-3 home loss to "Córdoba" was a blow. In the last round, they faced one of their potential competitors, "Sporting Gijón," and had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home.
Match Facts
- "Cartagena" has lost three of their last five matches.
- "Oviedo" has not won either of their last two matches.
- 55% of "Oviedo" matches end with both teams scoring, with an average total of 2.91 goals per match.
Head-to-Head
The "Zebras" went unbeaten in four consecutive meetings. However, this fall, "Los Carbayones" finally secured a victory thanks to a late goal.
Prediction: Cartagena vs Oviedo
Bookmakers favor the visitors. The hosts are struggling, and such opponents need to be defeated even away from home. "Oviedo" will likely win (odds: 1.87).
