Match Preview and analysis: La Nucia (H)

After a great 2-0 last weekend against Osasuna Promesas, Castellón play the second of two back to back games against La Nucia this afternoon. With confidence high and the opponents in the bottom half the table, nothing less than a win will do to satisfy expectations.

The visitors have not won a game since their opening day triumph against Athletic B, with three draws and two losses since then. In their last game against Real Union, they managed to hold on to a draw despite played with ten men for the last 15 minutes of the game.

Team news

For Castellón, it should largely be a case of the same again. All players are available except Jorge Fernández, who has been a longer term absence and is still not back to full fitness. Torrecilla will have to decide whether to keep Fabricio in the starting lineup, but it seems likely given his solid performance last week.

For La Nucia, there are several absences. Álex Salto, Adri León and Adolfo Enriquez are all injured, while Kevin Toner was sent off in the last game and suspended.

Opponent analysis

La Nucia have conceded eight goals this season, three of which have come from outside the area. It seems they do a poor job defending attempts from outside the box or on the edge of the D as they leave considerable space for the attacker to shoot. Pablo Hernandez or Cristian might want to take advantage of that as both have the ability to find the net from a long way out.

Two of the goals conceded game from player error, whether it be a keeper’s mistake or a defender’s. This is also something to be focused on, as the Albinegres need to be ready to pounce on any loose balls for opportunities that ensue.

In terms of offensive threat, they seem to score more from open play than set pieces, although it would be wise not to get complacent from either.

Manager comments

Rubén Torrecilla, Castellón manager: “I gave the boys a wake up call this week as we’re going up against a team that has had the same manager for two years with a well established system who like to dominate possession. We need to forget about Osasuna and adapt to the challenge in front of us.

The good things we’re doing should not relax us, it should motivate us to do more. When everything looks like it’s going well, I see it differently I won’t allow ourselves to relax. It’s marathon and there’s still a long way to go.

Everyone will get a chance to get some playing time, whether it’s in this game or the next one, and they need to be ready to come on and make an impact.

I touched wood that it wouldn’t rain during training as that’s when the pitch gets most damaged. The pitch is worn out because we’ve been training on it for months, but the ball still moves well so there is no need to worry. I hope we can train at Oropesa soon to give Castalia some rest.”