Almería will face off against rival Córdoba on Friday, placing two of La Liga BBVA's closely followed teams against each other.

Almería, currently ranked number 17 in the league's standings, is expected to be the favorite in the match.

Almería manager Francisco Rodríguez mentioned that his team's upcoming game is important to him.

"The game against Córdoba is very important for us, but that's the same for every encounter we face this season. Hopefully we can get our first win of the campaign," he said, according to Inside Spanish Football. 

"I think you'll see two very evenly matched teams out there, so I'm expecting a very balanced game and at the same time, one that's going to be very complicated. They have very good players, have strengthened well and they have a very balanced squad. They'll demand a lot from us."

Córdoba, ranked number 18 in the league, is expected to be the underdog in the match.

Córdoba manager Albert Ferrer recently mentioned that his team is preparing for a tough season, Sports Mole reports. 

"We are looking forward to what will be physically and mentally tough conditions," he told reporters at a press conference.

"We're going there to play, and hopefully, if we do, we'll get something positive out of it.

Watch Almería vs. Córdoba via live online streaming here:

https://www.livesoccertv.com/competitions/spain/primera-division/