Preview: Eibar vs. Huesca - prediction, team news, lineups

This weekend's La Liga action kicks off with a relegation six-pointer in the Basque Country between two of the division's most out-of-form sides.

Three points for bottom-of-the-league Huesca at Eibar's Estadio Ipurua de Municipal could see the club haul themselves out of the relegation zone. Eibar, who have not won a league game since early January, will be desperate to get their season back on track.

Match preview

© Reuters

After fluffing their lines against fellow strugglers Osasuna, Real Valladolid and Elche in recent weeks, this game represents Eibar's last chance for a straightforward three points.

For Eibar boss Jose Luis Mendilibar, each missed opportunity casts more doubt on his continued tenure at the Basque club.

Following their 1-0 loss to Elche last time out, Mendilibar told the press: "We will have time during the week to analyze and regain morale. We have to think positively and that despite not winning."

However, there is a good chance that another loss this weekend could prompt Eibar's hierarchy into a managerial roll of the dice.

Against Elche, there was very little between the two sides at the Estadio Martinez Valero and Los Armeros were unlucky not to come away with more to show for their efforts.

Defeat for Eibar, who are currently 18th in the standings with 21 points, will mean that the team will be forced to take points from much better opposition if they are to avoid the drop this season.

© Reuters

Despite being rooted at the bottom of the division, things have been going fairly well for Pacheta and his plucky new Huesca side.

Since taking the reins at the club in mid-January, the former Elche boss has picked up seven points from a possible 18, not bad for a side that only won their first league game of the campaign in December.

Last weekend saw one of Pacheta's biggest victories yet, with Huesca narrowly beating Granada in a dramatic contest that ended 3-2 to the Aragon side.

Speaking to the media after the game, Pacheta said: "We are hooked on salvation and that makes us more competitive... We are capable of competing against anyone."

In what is turning out to be a riveting relegation dogfight, just six points separate Huesca from 13th-placed Osasuna. Three points for Pacheta's men this weekend would be a huge shift in the power dynamics of this season's fight for survival.

Eibar La Liga form: LDLLDL

Huesca La Liga form: LDWLLW

Team News

© Reuters

Mendilibar will be without two defensive options, Kevin Rodrigues and Rober, who are both out with muscular injuries.

Playmaker Takashi Inui, who has been influential at times for the club, could reclaim his spot in the starting XI after not starting last week's tie.

Pacheta will have a largely fit squad to choose from this weekend, however, he will be without a few squad players.

Gaston Silva and Pedro Mosquera are both unavailable due to ankle and thigh injuries respectively.

Eibar possible starting lineup:
Dmitrovic; Pozo, Arbilla, Bigas, Angel; Inui, Diop, Expostio, Gil; Kike, Enrich

Huesca possible starting lineup:
Fernandez; Pulido, Siovas, Insua; Maffeo, Seoane, Rico, Galan; Escriche, Mir, Ferreiro

We say: Eibar 1-2 Huesca

In comparison to their struggling Basque opponents, Huesca have been playing with their tails up in recent weeks and we think Pacheta's men have what it takes to finally haul themselves out of the bottom three.