Oviedo Face Relegation Reality Check vs Alaves on Sunday

Sunday's clash at Estadio Nuevo Carlos Tartiere could be the final nail in Oviedo's La Liga coffin as the relegation-threatened hosts welcome Alaves in what promises to be a desperate battle for survival.

Sitting rock bottom with just 29 points from 36 games, Oviedo's season has been nothing short of disastrous. Their recent form of LDLLD tells the story of a team that simply cannot find the consistency needed at this level. With a goal difference of -30 and only six wins all season, they need nothing short of a miracle to avoid the drop.

Alaves arrive in much better spirits, safely positioned in 16th with 40 points. Their WDLWL form shows they're capable of picking up results when needed, and with an 11-point cushion over the relegation zone, they can play with freedom that Oviedo simply don't possess.

Federico Sebastián Viñas Barboza has been Oviedo's shining light in an otherwise dark campaign, leading the attack with an impressive SAM rating of 80/10 and 6.1 points per game. His five goals have been crucial, while Eric Bertrand Bailly (74/10 SAM) has marshalled a leaky defense as best he can. However, midfield creativity has dried up with key players Nicolás Fonseca and Oviemuno Dominic Ejaria both sidelined through suspension and injury respectively.

Alaves boast quality throughout their squad, with Jonathan Castro Otto (88/10 SAM) anchoring their defense superbly. The major blow is Lucas Ariel Boyé's muscle injury, robbing them of their top scorer who's bagged nine goals with an 84/10 SAM rating. Víctor Parada González (79/10 SAM) will need to step up in defense, especially with Facundo Tomás Garcés suspended.

With Oviedo's injury list reading like a hospital ward and their confidence shattered, it's hard to see them finding the heroics needed. Alaves have the quality and stability to capitalize on their hosts' desperation.

Prediction: This feels like curtains for Oviedo. Alaves to win 2-0 and effectively seal the hosts' relegation fate.