Preview: IC d’Escaldes Hosts Penya Encarnada in Andorran 1a Divisió Clash

ESCALDES-ENGORDANY, Andorra (Interstat) — IC d’Escaldes will look to continue its positive form and complete a quick double over Penya Encarnada when the sides meet in the Andorran 1a Divisió on Wednesday.

The matchup comes just three days after both teams faced different opponents. IC d’Escaldes (8-2-4) earned a narrow 1-0 road victory at Ranger’s on Sunday, extending its unbeaten run in domestic play. Penya Encarnada (4-1-9), however, fell 2-0 at home to AC d’Escaldes on the same day.

That recent result continues a pattern of inconsistency for Penya. Its season has been marked by dramatic swings, including a 4-2 win at Ordino on Dec. 7 preceded by a 6-0 home defeat to FC Santa Coloma on Nov. 30. Penya has lost both meetings with the d’Escaldes clubs this season, also falling 2-0 at AC d’Escaldes on Nov. 1.

IC d’Escaldes has been strong at home, with a 4-1-1 record in its last six domestic outings at Estadi Comunal d’Andorra la Vella. That stretch includes a key 1-0 win over league powerhouse AC d’Escaldes on Nov. 23.

The visitors will aim to find an offensive spark that has been absent in these fixtures. Penya has been shut out in three of its last five matches overall. Defensive solidity has fueled the hosts, who have kept clean sheets in three of their last five league games.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projection favors IC d’Escaldes to maintain its momentum with a 3-1 victory.

Following this contest, IC d’Escaldes will host Esper Andorra on Sunday. Penya Encarnada is scheduled to play Pas de la Casa at home, also on Sunday.

The teams are set to meet again in the league on Feb. 15 and March 1.