The Matchday 24 clash in La Liga between Espanyol and Athletic will take place on February 16 at the Cornella-El Prat Stadium in Barcelona. Espanyol vs. Athletic: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Espanyol
The Catalans suffered a 1-2 defeat away to Real Sociedad in the last round. However, before that, they were on a four-match unbeaten run in La Liga (2 wins and 2 draws). Notably, during this stretch, the team achieved a sensational victory over Real Madrid (1-0). Espanyol has not had such a series this season. Manolo Gonzalez's side is positioned 16th and is only one point clear of the nearest relegation zone rival.
Goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco and midfielder Jose Gragera will miss the match due to injuries.
- The club has won only two out of their last nine La Liga matches (4 draws and 3 losses).
- The number "1" has appeared in the final scoreline of Espanyol's last seven championship matches.
- Both teams scored in 8 of the last 11 home games for the Catalans in La Liga.
Predicted lineup for Espanyol (4-4-2)
Joan Garcia – Omar El Hilali, Leandro Cabrera, Fernando Calero, Marash Kumbulla – Alvaro Aguado, Edu Exposito, Alex Kral, Antonio Roca – Javi Puado, Roberto Fernandez Jaen.
Athletic
The Basques secured their second major victory of the current Primera campaign in the last round. Playing at home, the club from Bilbao thrashed Girona 3-0. As a result, the team's unbeaten run in the league has extended to 14 matches (8 wins and 6 draws). These results have allowed Ernesto Valverde's side to solidify their position in fourth place in the standings, with only a six-point gap from the leader.
Forward Alvaro Djalo is sidelined due to injury.
- At least two goals have been scored in 8 of Athletic's last 9 Primera matches.
- The number "1" has appeared in the final scoreline of 5 of the Basques' last 6 away matches in La Liga.
- The club has won the second half in 7 of their last 9 La Liga matches.
Predicted lineup for Athletic (4-2-3-1)
Unai Simon – Adama Boirou, Oscar De Marcos, Yeray Alvarez, Daniel Vivian – Benat Prados, Mikel Jaureguizar – Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Alex Berenguer – Gorka Guruzeta.
Match Prediction: Espanyol vs. Athletic
Last season, the Basques managed to defeat the Catalans on their home turf with a score of 2-1 in the second round. However, prior to that, the club from Bilbao had not been able to defeat this opponent on their ground in 23 consecutive league matches (9 draws and 14 losses). Espanyol is clearly an uncomfortable opponent for Athletic, especially in Catalonia, so I expect the visitors will not secure a win in the upcoming match.
Moreover, Manolo Gonzalez's side has not tasted defeat in their last six home matches in the Primera (3 wins and 3 draws). In their most recent home game, the team managed to defeat the La Liga leader without conceding. Although Athletic has decent away results, they have not won in five of their last eight away league matches (4 draws and 1 loss). Therefore, my prediction is "Espanyol win or draw".
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