Orihuela-Villareal Preview

After dismantling Comillas 5-0 in the first round of the Copa Del Rey, we turn our attention to Orihuela CF of the Spanish third tier, Segunda B- Group 3. This is the same division as Villarreal B. Never take anyone for granted in a futbol cup competition, but this should be a routine win.

Our Opponents

The way the third tier in Spanish football works is that there are four regional leagues. Getting promoted is not as simple as just finishing atop the league. The top four spots in each group contest a playoff and the four winners play each other to decide who gets two promotion slots into the Segunda division. Orihuela doesn’t have to worry about any of this. They are dead last in their group, on the verge of dropping to the Tercera division. Villarreal B has already beaten them 2-1 this season. The first team has never faced them.

Their danger man, as far as it goes, is Rubén Solano, who has four league goals this season. Other names to note might be Brian Pallarés in midfield and David Fonda in defense.

Villarreal

Our team sheet against Comillas is probably a good indicator of what we can expect in this one. Young players, rotational pieces, a couple of experienced players like Bacca a Funes Mori to steady the side. Frankly this side is so far beneath what we should be as a club that heads ought to roll if we don’t sweep them away. Orihuela’s 7000 seat ground is being worked on, so I’m not sure how many folks will be there but this is a big game for them and their fans will probably be loud.

Matchday Squad for tomorrow is as follows:

2. Mario Gaspar 3. R. Albiol 4. Pau 6. Funes Mori 7. Gerard 8. S. Cazorla 9. Bacca 10. Iborra 11. Chukwueze 13. Andrés Fdez. 14. M. Trigueros 15. Morlanes 16. Quintillà 18. Alberto M. 23. Moi Gómez 24. J. Ontiveros 25. Barbosa 26. Ramiro

As you can see, no Caceres and no Leo Suarez. Not a great sign for the future of either player at the club. We’ll keep an eye on that in the coming days.

Prediction

I just do not think Orihuela is any good. This should be a walk in the park. 4-0 at least to the good guys.