Eibar aim for a fourth consecutive Segunda División win this Saturday as they travel to face Celta de Vigo II. The provisional league leaders take on the Celtic reserve side at the Estadio Municipal de Barreiro at 20:30 local time.
Gaizka Garitano's team arrives in excellent form following three straight victories. Their latest was a convincing 3-0 win over Granada at Ipurua, with goals from Guruzeta, Bautista and Ares. This strong start has earned them ten points from a possible twelve, putting them top of the table.
The manager is expected to keep the core of the lineup that succeeded against Granada. Jokin Magunagoitia will continue in goal, behind a back four of Álvaro Rodríguez, Unai Elgezabal, Anaitz Arbilla and Juan Bernat. In midfield, Aitor Garrido and Ander Madariaga will anchor the play, providing a platform for the attacking players.
The medical report confirms two significant absences for the match. Defender Imanol García de Albéniz is out with a thigh muscle injury, sidelined until the end of the month. In midfield, Sergio Álvarez is also unavailable with a muscular problem, sharing a similar estimated return date. "They are two important players for the team, but we trust those who will take their place," Garitano explained in his pre-match press conference.
These absences force adjustments in defence and midfield. In defence, Imanol's absence likely means the continued partnership of Arbilla and Elgezabal. To cover for Sergio Álvarez, options include giving more minutes to Jon Bautista from the bench or a slight tactical reshuffle.
The Vigo reserve side comes into the match after losing their last league game 1-2 at home to Castellón. Their recent form is mixed, featuring a 4-2 thrashing of FC Andorra and a goalless draw in Cádiz. They sit in mid-table and will look to halt Eibar's impressive run on their home turf.
Eibar have dominated recent meetings with reserve sides, but Garitano has warned of the threat. "They are a young team, with talent, and they play without pressure at home. We cannot be complacent," the Eibar manager noted. The full squad, minus the two injured players, completed their final closed-door training session at Ipurua before travelling to Galicia.
With their sights set on retaining top spot, Eibar face a key week that includes this trip and a following clash with Racing de Ferrol. The upcoming fixtures schedule shows the importance of maintaining their positive streak. The matchday squad for Barreiro will be announced on Friday afternoon, following the coaching staff's final assessments.
