ANALYSIS SECOND DIVISION SPAIN:
A mediocre – and at the same time – defensively ravaged Cartagena had nothing to counter against Castellón last time. They once again risk missing several defenders. Limited, but they usually pose a threat via set pieces. Individual mistakes were Granada's downfall away against Real Oviedo last time, but coach Fran Escribá is not particularly concerned: “I have full faith in this team and know we will challenge at the top.” Forced to manage without the injured trio Neva, Rubio, Boyé, and the suspended midfielder Kevin Hongla. They should have a reasonable chance, but I’m not sure it will be a complete blowout. 2–1 is one of the most common results in Segunda this autumn, but Granada still hasn’t landed on that exact scoreline at home. Is tonight the night?
Zaragoza is going through a tough period, and coach Víctor Fernández has had to step in to tone down expectations. – “I’ve never spoken about direct promotion, our goal has always been to reach the playoffs.” Sebastian Kosa is doubtful for play. The same goes for striker Samed Bazdar. Full-back Iván Calero is suspended. Notably, they’ve had an easier time creating big goal-scoring chances away, with a goal difference of 17–13. At home, the numbers are: 11–10.
Real Oviedo usually adopts a defensive approach when playing away. Big question mark for Alemão (8 goals). Playmaker Santiago Colombatto is suspended. Will it be a stalemate in the first half?
What is actually happening?
NY Rangers were tipped for the Stanley Cup by many ahead of this season, but now the outright odds are hovering around 30.00. This is, of course, connected to the recent dark, deep slump in form. Extremely talented players have been skating around looking like Temu-ordered copies... But there is truly great potential at the core, and if they are to jump back onto the winning track, this is the perfect task...
Nashville is poor in every aspect and is missing three injured defensemen, including Roman Josi.
Goal difference: –28. That is staggeringly weak. Only Montreal shows worse numbers. On sheer strength alone, NY Rangers are the clearly better team, and I can’t understand why anyone would want to play the Predators at favorite odds.
It’s time for all NY Rangers’ stars to step up. Chris Kreider, who tallied 75 points last season, hasn’t suddenly turned into a terrible player. Player points against a depleted Nashville can be tested at a very fine 2.02.
GRANADA VS CARTAGENA
8.50
CORRECT SCORE: 2–1
ZARAGOZA VS REAL OVIEDO
1.98
1ST HALF (DRAW)
NASHVILLE VS NY RANGERS
1.96
NY RANGERS – INCLUDING OVERTIME/PENALTIES
NASHVILLE VS NY RANGERS
2.02
PLAYER POINT +1 – CHRIS KREIDER
