Football Season Guide

A poor start to the previous campaign was compounded by the uninspiring appointment of Eduardo Coudet, who is still yet to win fans over after replacing the popular Luis Garcia Plaza. There have been several departures this summer, particularly in defence and attack, and they are yet to be adequately replaced, with the big reinforcements such as Pablo Ibañez and Carles Aleña adding depth in midfield and in goal, where Raul Fernandez is an eye-catching arrival after a stand-out season for Mirandés in Segunda last season. Attacking arrivals are still pending late in the window, and they're much needed after only bottom team Valladolid scored fewer goals at home than Alavés' 14 goals in 19 games last season. That's despite xG putting Alavés ninth in the table last year, with a leaky defence and a lack of clinical finishing costing them dearly. The departure of veteran goalscorer Kike Garcia and promising youngster Joaquín Panichelli, as well as defensive leaders Abdel Abqar and Aleksander Sedlar, mean that there are gaps for Alavés to fill with the transfer window edging closer to shutting. A tough fixture list, facing three of last season's top six in their first four games, means that Alavés have no time to lose.