Football Season Guide

Only just managed to avoid relegation last season, and mostly through the weakness of the likes of Cadiz, and the poor start to the season from Almeria and Granada. They may not be as lucky this time around so need to make the necessary changes to try and secure a midtable place. Defence is going to be a problem for them this season, having lost Saul Coco and Sergi Cardona from it. They've also got to integrate two new goalkeepers, one of which (Cillessen) has endured an error-strewn few years back in Dutch football. The belief is that regular goalkeeper Valles has his heart set on a return to boyhood club Real Betis, although it is yet to transpire - he's not been playing as a result. Have gone through a rigorous pre-season with a number of games against a whole host of different level opposition. It's not a surprise that they've done this, given the number of players they've brought in to help them try to beat relegation. They've had mixed results but generally have conceded too many and not scored enough against half-decent opposition. Their bargain basement scouting could unearth the odd gem or two but in general they've signed average players that would be playing at a better level if more consistent or able to contribute more so there's not likely to be any significant improvements. Indeed, a slow start looks likely due to the number of new arrivals. Attack looks particularly weak; difficult to envision where the goals will come from. Defence will be in trouble if Marmol leaves. Seem to be angling toward leaning upon Januzaj, which is very risky business. Overall, not convincing from Las Palmas.