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After almost a decade spent living in second and even third division, various financial and institutional issues, at some point even in front of complete annihilation, famous Sporting from Gijon (Hihon) are back to Primera Division. El Molinon Stadium will be fielded with first league fixtures and the stands crowded. Last year in Secunda, the real fight for promotion was seen when Numancia managed to get the Promotion seat while Malaga, Sporting and Real Sociedad were caught in a deadlock fighting for the remaining two seats. Sporting have had more luck and skill in the finish earning their deserved promotion that was ‘wildly' celebrated in one of the biggest cities on the Spanish coast of Atlantic Ocean.
Without significant signings
Sporting will have tough time surviving their year in Primera. The club is without enough financial means for quality acquisitions so they will have to lay their hopes upon the forces that have secured the top league and upon the youngsters from Sporting's famous, most productive youth schools in Spain. This club is known exactly for the fact that in the seventies, eighties and nineties they managed to nourish some of the best players in Spain. Luis Enrique was one of the last pearls emerged from this club willing to get back on the right track. We should also add that El Molinon was the fifth biggest stadiums in Spain hosting the round stage and quarter finals games of World Championship. With over 300 000 inhabitants, this city is multicultural capitol of Spain with a rich musical ant cultural tradition. Sporting, Gijon's favorite, will have a wholehearted support of their fans. There are a lot of talented players within, and with proper atmosphere and dedication, this club should be able to survive this first, hardest season. Young striker from Atletico Madrid, Cuellar, has arrived while the team is left without Roberto, Hidalgo and Chus Bravo.
In
Jurgen Colin (Ajax Amsterdam), Diego Camacho (Levante), Carmelo (Levante), Tati Maldonado (Real Betis), Ivan Cuellar (Atletico Madrid)
Out
Noel Alonso (Melilla), Chus Bravo (Osasuna), Roberto (Osasuna)
Relegation fight a reality
Sporting will have a hard time in their first season in Primera, but they are not without some chances. The team is well composed and compact, they don't lack spirit and courage, and inexperience will be their greatest enemy. Gerard, Nery and Sastre had their share of premier league soccer, while Camacho and De Lucas are players with great perspective. Apart from earlier mentioned Cuellar, former big hope of Croatian football, Mate Bilic, and Omar will be playing in the attack. They are both very skilled, dangerous players and team's results will depend upon their form. It is expected for Sporting to end the season somewhere between 15th and 19th seat.
Our tip: Position from 15th to 19th
Odds
Bookmaker: Bet365
CL
CLQ
UEFA
RELEG
