Alaves vs Sporting Gijon Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

This will be a special occasion for Alaves fans who have endured a miserable decade that has seen them drop down the divisions and flirt with extinction due to severe financial problems. The former European finalists are back though and are intent on re-establishing themselves as a top flight club. They made a good start last weekend when they grabbed a dramatic late point at the Vicente Calderon.

The Basques were on the back foot for most of the game and looked to be on their way to a very hard-fought 0-0 draw when Kevin Gameiro converted a dubiously awarded penalty in stoppage time. However having barely had a shot all game, they went straight up the other end and levelled thanks to a stunning long-range goal from boyhood Alaves fan Manu Garcia.

Clearly that was a bonus point but now the serious work starts with a home game against a Sporting Gijon side that is also expected to struggle. They’ve lost several important players over the summer but were surprise winners on the opening day as they beat a lacklustre Athletic Bilbao side 2-1 at El Molinon with loan signing Duje Cop scoring one of their goals on his debut. Abelardo’s side were full value for their win but still most likely have a long season ahead of them.

This game could be a good one and is likely to be played out in front of a noisy Estadio de Mendizorroza. Alaves fans and players will be hungry to get their first top flight win in over a decade. They showed they have grit and reasonably solid defensive foundations last week and against a Sporting side that rarely keeps clean sheets, they should get enough chances to win this one.

Therefore there looks to be value in backing Alaves to Win at 21/20.