Prediction: Racing Santander vs Cartagena

Verdict: Racing Santander win

Best Odds: 8/15 

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to extend on their Segunda purple patch on Monday night, Racing Santander will welcome Cartagena to Cantabria.

Racing Santander

Starting with the hosts, while Racing Santander might have eventually fallen short in the race to punch a play-off ticket last season, Jose Alberto Lopez has seen his squad come roaring back in a sensational fashion. Showing no signs of a hangover since opening up the new campaign and rightfully receiving a string of plaudits, the Cantabria-based outfit find themselves at the heart of a real purple patch. Last seen putting in another rugged performance as they clinched a 1-0 victory away at Castellon, the Verdiblancos are pencilled in as a leading promotion contender this year. Marking their return from September’s international break with another 1-0 win against Sporting Gijon, the former Malaga boss finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. In fact, Racing Santander have won each of their previous four Segunda appearances by an aggregate score of 6-1.

Team News

While Saul Garcia might have returned from a one-match suspension last week, the 29-year-old will likely settle for a spot on the bench here. Forming what has become a rugged partnership at the back, summer recruit Javi Montero will once again partner Manu at the heart of Lopez’s defence.

Already notching five goals from his opening six Segunda appearances, the red-hot Andres Martin will play a leading role in the final third. Making his move from Eibar a permanent one this summer, ex-Villarreal starlet Juan Arana will lead Racing’s attack.

Cartagena

As for the visitors, while some in Cartagena’s camp might have opened up the new campaign dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine top-half charge, Jandro’s squad are at the heart of a major Segunda crisis. Opening proceedings on August 18th with a routine 3-1 defeat away at Burgos, the Murcia-based outfit have come under a tremendous amount of scrutiny. Last seen putting in another worrying performance as they slumped to a 2-1 loss at home against Cadiz, the Aladrokes currently find themselves sat in the drop zone and pencilled in as a leading relegation contender this year. Marking their return from September’s international break with a toothless 1-0 defeat at at the hands of Levante, Cartagena have lost five of their first six Segunda appearances. Likewise, continuing on from last season, Monday’s guests have lost eight of their previous nine showdowns against second-tier opposition.

Team News

Dealing with a recent muscle injury and not featuring over the past few weeks, Cartagena are once again expected to be without veteran defender Pedro Alcala on Monday night. Arriving from Barcelona on a season-long loan switch, 20-year-old Pocho Roman will be hoping for a full recall here.

Likewise, completing a move from Levante last month, Spanish U21 international Pablo Cunat will start between the sticks. Although one-time Girona striker Alfredo Ortuno might still be waiting to open his Segunda account, the 33-year-old should keep his spot leading Cartagena’s attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• Racing Santander have won each of their previous four consecutive Segunda appearances by an aggregate score of 6-1.
• Including a winner away at Castellon last week, Andres Martin has registered five goals from his first six Segunda outings.
• Cartagena have lost five of their opening six Segunda appearances so far this season.
• Likewise, continuing on from last season, Monday’s guests have lost eight of their previous nine showdowns against second-tier opposition.
• Racing Santander have not conceded a single Segunda goal in almost 350 minutes of action.

Conclusion

Embarking on what has become a major Segunda purple patch, Racing Santander are riding a major wave of momentum. Pencilled in as a leading promotion contender this season, Monday’s hosts have won each of their previous four appearances by an aggregate score of 6-1. Only continuing to shine on either side of September’s fortnight interval and not conceding a single goal in almost 350 minutes of action, we are expecting a home victory here.

Verdict: Racing Santander win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Olympusbet