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Kick off: Saturday, 23 January @17:15 GMT
Venue: Power8 Stadium (Cornella de Llobregat)
Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365 (non-US)
Head to head record
Villarreal vs Espanyol 3-1 (2015/2016 La Liga)
Villarreal vs Espanyol 0-3 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Espanyol vs Villarreal 1-1 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Espanyol vs Villarreal 1-2 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Villarreal vs Espanyol 2-1 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Espanyol vs Villarreal prediction
Villarreal will be aiming to strengthen their grip on fourth position in the La Liga standings when they take on Espanyol at Power8 Stadium on Saturday. The Catalan side sit in the danger zone ahead of Matchday 21, meaning that both sides will go for a win.
Four-match losing run
Espanyol have been playing below expectations this season. Los Periquitos sit in 14th place in the standings ahead of Saturday’s game against Villarreal and they are just five points clear of the relegation zone. Constantin Galca’s men badly needed a win against Getafe at the weekend, but they failed to get one, with the team suffering a 3-1 loss to los Azulones. The Catalan outfit are on a four-match losing run in all competitions, meaning that they are desperate to grab something from Saturday’s game against Villarreal. Espanyol are tough to beat at home ground and you should know that they suffered their last loss at Power8 Stadium on 15 October. Felipe Caicedo has been struggling to find his scoring boots in recent weeks, but the Ecuador international, who has netted seven goals in all competitions this season, should lead the attack for the hosts against Villarreal.
Javi Lopez returns from suspension, whilst midfielder Pape Diop has overcome his injury. Victor Sanchez, Arbilla and Canas, though, remain in the recovery room. Coach Constantin Galca should stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation.
Champions League or nothing…
Villarreal are on the right track to turn their Champions League dream into reality. The Yellow Submarine sit in 4th place in the standings and seeing that they are six points clear of fifth-placed Celta Vigo, Marcelino’s men are on the right track to meet their goal. Villarreal, though, failed to impress in Saturday’s goalless draw, with the team failing to create a decent opportunity to score during the match. The Yellows need to produce a much better performances in Saturday’s game against Espanyol if they are to grab something from the Power8 Stadium clash and I believe that the visitors will happy with one point. Roberto Soldado has been misfiring of late, but fellow attacker Cedric Bakambu has been in a fine form and he is likely to prove a handful for the opposition defenders. Villarreal are not regarded as good travelers, but you should have in mind that they are after their third consecutive away win in La Liga.
Samu Castillejo is fit and he is likely to be recalled to the starting line-up, but Saturday’s match comes too early for Jaume Costa. Davide Bonera and Adrian Lopez remain sidelined with injury.
Quick Facts
- Espanyol are undefeated in last five home games in La Liga
- Los Periquitos scored 1+ goals in each of previous five meetings with Villarreal
- Villarreal are eyeing their fifth away win of the season
- Yellow Submarine are on a seven-game unbeaten run in La Liga
- Under 2.5 goals were scored in five of Villarreal’s last six league games
Espanyol vs Villarreal betting tip
Saturday’s match pits together the two sides with entirely different ambitions in the remainder of the season. Espanyol aim to secure yet another top flight survival, while Villarreal are eager to book their place in the Champions League. As I have already mentioned, both teams will go for a win and, taking everything into account, there is every chance we will see a lively contest at Power8 Stadium. When the two sides met earlier this season at Camp el Madrigal Villarreal came from behind to beat Espanyol 3-1.
Tip: Both teams to score
Odds: 2.00 (1/1) @BetVictor
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