La Liga: Alaves Aiming for More Basque Derby Delight

Alaves vs Eibar

The Basque Country will be the site of a big La Liga derby just before Christmas as Deportivo Alaves take on Eibar. Eibar are currently in 14th place in the table, one point above 17th-placed Alaves.

Alaves are unbeaten in their first two Basque derbies of the season, with a win over Athletic Bilbao and a draw with Real Sociedad, both at home.

However, they may have their hands full against an Eibar side which has already defied the La Liga 2020 betting odds a few times away from home this season.

Talking Points

Alaves doing well in Basque derbies

It has been a rough last couple of games for Alaves, who suffered back-to-back away defeats to Huesca and Celta Vigo.

Those losses came on the back of what was an impressive stretch of La Liga 2020 results where they went six matches unbeaten (two wins, four draws).

One of those two wins came away to reigning champions Real Madrid, and they also picked up points in draws against Barcelona and in another Basque derby at home to Real Sociedad.

opacity 0

CLICK HERE
TO SEE UPDATED ODDS

La Liga

The goals have dried up of late for Alaves, who haven’t scored in each of their last three matches. They remain highly reliant on the veteran duo of Lucas Perez and Joselu to deliver their goals. The two have combined for five of their 11 total goals this season, while six other players have a goal apiece.

On the other end, centre-back Rodrigo Ely had to come off in their loss to Celta Vigo due to a knee injury and is expected to miss out. Luckily, Victor Laguardia is likely to return after his own recent injury absence.

Alaves have had an impressive record in Basque derbies this season. They beat Athletic Bilbao 1-0 and drew with Real Sociedad, both at home.

However, they will need to improve their discipline to avoid a setback against Eibar. Alaves had a player sent off in both matches and have had four red cards overall this season.

Eibar feeling at home away from home

Eibar’s five-match unbeaten run finally came to an end as they lost 1-3 at home to reigning champions Real Madrid. The match was essentially over within the first quarter of an hour, with Real going up 2-0 thanks to early goals from Karim Benzema and Luka Modric. Lucas Vazquez added a third in stoppage time.

Prior to that loss, Eibar had drawn four of their last five matches, one of which was a 1-1 draw in a Basque derby away at Real Sociedad.

Despite coach Jose Mendilibar’s aggressive playing style that involves high pressing, there still don’t tend to be too many goals on either end in games with Eibar involved.

La Liga: Can Eibar win against Alaves? — Eibar players after their 1-3 defeat at home against Real Madrid

They have scored just 10 goals all season — tied for the fewest in the league — and have conceded only 13, which is tied for the fourth-best defensive record.

Kike Garcia, who scored a sensational goal in the loss to Madrid, leads the team with four goals this season, while centre-back Esteban Burgos is not far behind with three, although two have come from the penalty spot.

Eibar have been absolutely disastrous at Ipurua Stadium this season and are winless in eight home games (four losses, four draws).

It’s surprisingly been their away form that has carried them thus far. They’ve won three of their six away matches, which includes a huge victory at the Sanchez Pizjuan over Sevilla.

History

While this Basque derby has been quite competitive in recent years, Alaves hold a slight edge in wins over Eibar in terms of La Liga meetings, 3-2. There have also been three draws.

Alaves did the double over Eibar last season. Joselu bagged a late brace in a 2-0 win at Eibar, then won 2-1 at home thanks to goals from Lucas Perez and Ollie Burke.

But prior to their time in the top flight, Eibar had the significant edge in the Segunda Division with four wins in their six meetings.

Betting Tip

	Alaves vs Eibar	1X2 Draw @ 2.80
	December 24, 05:00 (GMT+8)

The SBOTOP odds for this Basque derby are oh so close. Alaves are very slight 2.66 favourites over Eibar, who are priced at 2.96. Meanwhile, a draw is at 2.81.

Any one of those results wouldn’t that be all that surprising, which makes this a tough match to call.

But all things considered, the draw looks like the most likely outcome. Both sides are fairly evenly matched, and neither will come up with the decisive goal to claim all three points.