Las Palmas will look to book their place in the Segunda Division playoffs on Sunday, when they take on Sporting Gijon on the final day of the season.
The visitors currently occupy the final spot in the top six of the Spanish second-tier table, with a two-point lead over Real Oviedo, while their hosts have recently confirmed their survival.
Match preview
With 41 points from 38 games, Sporting Gijon looked at risk of relegation from Spain's second tier, but they have been able to put some crucial points on the board in recent weeks.
They firstly followed up three straight defeats with a valuable 1-1 draw away at Huesca, before beating fifth-placed Girona 2-1 on home turf.
Jose Gragera put them ahead in that game, and Uros Durdevic hit the winning goal on the stroke of half time after Cristhian Stuani's equaliser to ensure the Rojiblancos took all three points.
Their survival was then confirmed last time out, as they drew away at Fuenlabrada while Real Sociedad B fell to a defeat, wrapping up the four teams who will drop to Spain's third tier.
Now not having to look over their shoulder, Abelardo's side will aim to build on their recent form and end the season on a high with a positive result against the sixth-placed side.
The visitors arrive with a clear goal though, as a win would seal their place in the Segunda Division playoffs.
After looking all but out of contention in the race for a spot in the top six, Sporting Gijon have been able to put a winning run together when it mattered the most, earning four consecutive victories heading into the final day.
They firstly beat Malaga 2-1 after back-to back draws and went on to grind out a 1-0 win over Mirandes before making it three victories on the bounce as Jonathan Viera and Rober hit goals in a 2-0 defeat of Alcorcon on their travels.
La Union Deportivo then headed into a crucial clash last time out against Real Oviedo, who sat a point ahead in sixth place prior to the game, and they were able to jump into the playoff spots thanks to a 2-1 win on home turf, with Viera netting the decisive goal on the hour mark.
Having now leapfrogged Oviedo, Las Palmas are tasked with holding their position on the final day, and, with an inferior goal difference, Garcia Pimienta's side must win to ensure they finish in the top six unless the chasing side drop points.
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Team News
Sporting Gijon went into their last game unchanged, and Abelardo could again refrain from making alterations after their recent improvements.
Uros Durdevic will continue to lead their line, having scored 14 of their 43 league goals this term.
Meanwhile, Fran Villalba will operate behind the frontman in a 4-2-3-1 system, with Aitor Garcia and Jose Luis Rodriguez bound to keep their places on the wings.
Las Palmas captain Jonathan Viera fins himself in an eye-catching run of form in front of goal, having scored in five consecutive games heading into Sunday to take his tally to 13 alongside five assists in 31 league appearances this term.
Jese Rodriguez has been another star man this campaign, netting 11 goals and providing six assists in the Spanish second tier.
He could again flank Armando Sadiku, while Rafa Mujica is also vying for a starting berth in the front three.
Sporting Gijon possible starting lineup:
Cuellar; Rosas, Berrocal, Menendez, Kravets; Diaz, Gragera; Garcia, Villalba, Rodriguez; Durdevic
Las Palmas possible starting lineup:
Valles; Lemos, Navas, Curbelo, Cardona; K Rodriguez, Mfulu, Viera; J Rodriguez, Sadiku, Moleiro
We say: Sporting Gijon 1-3 Las Palmas
Gijon have certainly performed impressively in recent weeks to climb away from the threat of relegation, but they face an in-form Las Palmas side desperate for three points to book a playoff place, and we see the visitors prevailing as a result.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Sam Varley
