Continuing on with the preview of the upcoming La Liga season, are those who aren't expected to deal with too much drama, neither too weary of the drop, nor much European expectations.
Sporting Gijon: Los Gijones didn't have a great season last year, finishing just 4 points above the relegation zone. But this summer they've shored up most of the holes, and look a lot stronger side this year. They've signed Albert Botia on a 4-year deal, and Sebastian Eguren has come back to play in La Liga for Sporting after a short move to AIK to shore up the defense. While Ayoze, Nacho Novo, and Gaston Sangoy have been brought in to help the offense. Sporting have a lot of youth in their side and they'll be hoping they've finally got enough experience to push for a spot closer to 10th rather then just above the relegation zone.
Espanyol: Much of the problem for the Perequitos revolved around Tamudo with the club, and they'll be hoping that with his switch to Real Sociedad that they can concentrate on doing well in La Liga and the Copa del Rey. They, much like Sporting, have a good mix of experienced players like Kameni, De la Peña, and Luis Garcia to go along with a lot of promising talent like Raul Baena, new signing Felipe Mattioni, and Jose Callejon. Fans of Espanyol should be happy with a finish around what they achieved last year, but will have memories of their past European glories in the back of their heads. Will also be looking to do a lot better in the Copa del Rey after they got knocked out in the Round of 32 last year.
Osasuna: The side from Navarre don't have a side that looks very special, but they've proven that sometimes mentality can be as important as skill. They've sold off their best played in the form of Azpilicueta to Marseille, but you shouldn't count out them out. They carry the same Basque mentality I spoke of in Part One of this preview, and will always give nightmares to the big clubs the night before the game. Whether it be home or away, Osasuna will never let the opposition rest. They might not win every game they have against the big clubs, but being 3-0 down against Real Madrid or Barcelona only gives them more spirit to fight on and do better. They kept Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Villarreal on draws on their visits to the Reino de Navarra, and also took home wins against Atletico and Deportivo. They managed to get three points from Villarreal at El Madrigal, and took the lead twice against Real Madrid before losing out 3-2. If anything they need to work harder on the games against more equal or worse opponents, which is what costs them a real chance for Europe.
Deportivo la Coruna: Deportivo is a team that loves to yo-yo. Right when you think they're set to blossom into a regular European contender, they slip up and fall to midtable. Far from the squad that won the league a decade ago, and were regular players in Europe, Deportivo can't seem to find their footing. Most of last year they were in the Europa League spots for La Liga, occasionally in 4th place which would merit a playoff to get into the Champion's League, then in the final strech they managed to fall down to 10th. Miguel Angel Loina has a lot of very good players including Andres Guardado, Michel, Adrian Lopez, Riki, and Daniel Aranzubia at his disposal, and at some point everyone will be seeing them as Europa League definites, but it's also to be expected that they slip up when it matters most.
Mallorca: Although being forced to sell players due to financial problems, Mallorca have managed to sign Cavenaghi on loan from Bordeux, Jonathan De Guzman from Feyenoord, and two Brazilian unknowns from Bunyodkor named Ratinho and Joao Victor, while managing to keep hold of Aouate, Chori Castro, Alhassane Keita, and Pierre Webo. Although they were in similar circumstances last year when they managed to finish 5th, the ruling from UEFA not allowing Mallorca to play in the Europa Leauge prevents them from getting money that would have helped them pay off debts, and will have a big toll on the spirit behind the team. Knowing that circumstances will likely be the same even if they manage to make it into Europe again, they might not have the same fighting drive that made the Ono Estadi a fortress, a likely drop down to around midtable.
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