Alaves are looking for a positive reaction in the Copa del Rey. The Basque side begin their cup campaign this Wednesday, October 28th, against Anaitasuna in the Round of 128, with kick-off set for 7pm local time.
The tie comes at a tricky moment for the team. In LaLiga, Alaves sit seventh with 12 points from ten games but are on a run of three matches without a win. Their last result was a 1-1 draw against Malaga, following defeats to Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid. Striker Boyé, the team's top scorer with five goals in nine appearances, will be a key attacking outlet as they aim to turn things around. The team's record this season is three wins, three draws and four losses, having scored 14 goals and conceded 11. Their recent form in the league reads zero wins, two draws and three losses from their last five matches.
The manager has the chance to give minutes to players who are not regular starters, though the team's current form may discourage too many changes. The starting lineup for the last league match featured Sivera; Ángel Pérez, Tenaglia, Koski, Valentini; Rebbach, Pablo Ibáñez, Antonio Blanco, Aleñá; Boyé and Mariano Díaz. Aitor Mañas, who scored the 89th-minute equaliser against Malaga, is another option to freshen up the attack. In the match against Celta, Hugo Novoa Ramos scored a consolation goal in the 87th minute.
The schedule offers Alaves little respite. After the cup tie, the team faces league leaders Barcelona away on Saturday, October 31st, in a tough trip to the Camp Nou. Therefore, the match against Anaitasuna is a necessary test to regain confidence and rhythm ahead of a highly demanding fixture. A full squad and no suspension issues give the coaching staff all their options.
The Copa del Rey has always been a special competition for the club, and a convincing win could provide a season boost. The objective is clear: advance to the next round and approach the key weekend league game with improved morale.
