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Kick off: Sunday, 31 January @19:30 GMT
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid)
Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365(non-US)
Head to head record
Espanyol vs Real Madrid 0-6 (2015/2016 La Liga)
Espanyol vs Real Madrid 1-4 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Real Madrid vs Espanyol 3-0 (2014/2015 La Liga)
Real Madrid vs Espanyol 3-1 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Real Madrid vs Espanyol 1-0 (2013/2014 La Liga)
Real Madrid vs Espanyol prediction
Having dropped two points in the Estadio Benito Villamarin clash against Real Betis, Real Madrid have no other choice but to go all guns blazing at Espanyol when the two sides take on each other at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon.
Must-win game
The top two sides in La Liga Barcelona and Atletico Madrid take on each other at Camp Nou on Saturday, meaning that Real Madrid need to take advantage of the situation and beat Espanyol on Sunday. Los Blancos shared the spoils with Real Betis at the weekend, meaning that they need to record a win over Espanyol if they are to keep their hopes of regaining the domestic trophy alive. Real Madrid slipped for the first time under new boss Zinedine Zidane and seeing that they are four points behind both Barca and Atletico Madrid in the La Liga standings. Karim Benzema extended his goal-scoring run at the weekend and the French attacker is set to lead the line for Los Blancos once again. Real Madrid have been impressive at their Estadio Santiago Bernabeu of late, with the team scoring no less than ten goals in previous two home game. Cristiano Ronaldo failed to win the 2015 Golden Ball award, but CR7 will definitely give 100% to finish the 2015/2016 La Liga campaign as top scorer.
Sergio Ramos returns to contention, but fellow defender Pepe will miss the game with injury. Gareth Bale has yet to overcome his injury, meaning that James Rodriguez should start the match.
Poor form
Espanyol have been struggling in 2016. Los Periquitos have yet to record a win in the new year and they are just four points clear of the relegation zone in the La Liga standings. Situation at Power8 Stadium is alarming ahead of the trip to Madrid and seeing that los Blancos are a real force to be reckoned with at home, I do not believe that the Catalans are capable of putting an end to their seven-game winless run in all competitions. Espanyol suffered a loss in each of their previous five away games in La Liga and no doubt coach Constantin Galca is under big pressure ahead of the Real Madrid game. The visitors head into the match with the lack of confidence and I do not believe that they are capable of recording their first win in La Liga since 19 December.
Arla and Duarte return to contention, but Gerard Moreno and Victor Alvarez both miss the Real Madrid game through suspension. Salva Sevilla is likely to be recalled to the starting XI.
Quick Facts
- Real Madrid scored 23 goals in previous four home games in La Liga
- Los Blancos are after their sixth consecutive win at home ground
- Real Madrid are undefeated under Zinedine Zidane
- Espanyol are on a five-match losing run on the road
- Los Periquitos conceded nine goals in last three away games
- Espanyol suffered a loss in each of their previous seven meetings with Real Madrid
Real Madrid vs Espanyol betting tip
David faces Goliath at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. This has to go down as must-win game for los Blancos and given Espanyol’s poor away record, there is every chance the hosts will pick up all three points from Sunday’s clash. Real Madrid are eyeing their eighth consecutive win over los Periquitos and I am positive that the visitors will return home empty-handed. When the two teams met earlier this season Real Madrid recorded a 6-0 win over Espanyol.
Tip: Over 3.5 goals
Odds: 1.70 (7/10) @Pinnacle
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