ALAVES
Manager: Luis Garcia
Key Arrivals: Maras (Almeria), Guevara (Real Sociedad)
Key Departures: Laguardia (retired)
Prediction: Alaves’ biggest downfall in the 2021-22 season, when they were relegated from La Liga, was their lack of goals. Their highest goalscorer in the second tier last term was Luis Rioja with ten, so it might well be another case of them not scoring enough to remain in Spain’s top tier.
ALMERIA
Manager: Vicente Moreno
Key Arrivals: Suarez (Marseille), Gonzalez (Real Betis)
Key Departures: Maras (Alaves)
Prediction: Almeria survived on the final day of 2022-23, with coach Rubi leaving at the end of his contract. Incoming Moreno’s last spell in Spain was a successful one at Espanyol, before he was lured to Saudi Arabia. He should make them more competitive.
ATHLETIC CLUB
Manager: Ernesto Valverde