Real Valladolid vs Espanyol predictions, H2H and match preview for this Friday’s game in La Liga. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups as both sides look to reach unexpected heights.
DATE/TIME – Friday 26th October 2018, 21:00 (Spanish Time)
STADIUM – José Zorrilla
COMPETITION – La Liga
This Friday’s game in La Liga serves up a rare opportunity for both Valladolid and Espanyol. The hosts would go 2nd with a win, which would be a remarkable achievement on their return to the top flight, particularly given how the season started for them. The visitors meanwhile would climb above city rivals Barcelona and into 1st place if they can claim maximum points.
It has been a dream season so far for Espanyol fans with Rubi managing to really get them organised defensively. Crucially summer signing Borja Iglesias has also been delivering the goods up top, which has served as a major cushion to the blow of losing Gerard Moreno. His brace at Huesca last time out was the difference between the sides and gave Espanyol their first away win of the new campaign.
Valladolid meanwhile are targeting a 5th straight victory here. The way they started the season, with no goals in their opening 4 matches, they looked like a side that might struggle to get five wins all season however those fears have quickly been eased. Much like Espanyol, solid defence has provided a good base with all of Valladolid’s last 3 wins coming via 1-0 margins.
Both sides defend from front to back though with the likes of Ruben Alcaraz for Valladolid and Marc Roca for Espanyol impressing in midfield. Certainly this is a game that doesn’t exactly seem likely to produce many goals.
Real Valladolid vs Espanyol Predictions
Score Prediction: 1-1 Draw
It’s a tough one to call with both sides in such great form and playing with confidence. Espanyol perhaps have a bit more quality but their away record isn’t as convincing as their home one and it’s hard to see them leaving the Estadio Municipal José Zorrilla with all the points. A draw seems the most likely outcome.
Real Valladolid vs Espanyol H2H
- Last 6 meetings: 2 Espanyol Wins, 1 Vallodolid Win, 3 Draws.
- They’ve not met since the 2013/14 season when both sides won their home fixtures.
- 3 of the last 5 meetings in Valladolid have been drawn.
- The last 4 meetings on this ground have produced 5 red cards.
One to Watch – Borja Iglesias
Un double d’Iglesias permet à l’Espanyol de se hisser à la deuxième place du classement ! #LigaFr pic.twitter.com/nz8fpnp8TB
— Foot en Espagne (@FootEnEspagne) October 21, 2018
Borja Iglesias could be the difference-maker here. Valladolid’s new look attack has shown signs of promise but Iglesias looks the player in this game most likely to finish a chance if it comes his way.
Keep tabs on all our La Liga predictions this weekend.
Predicted Line Ups
Valladolid Team:
Masip – Nacho, Calero, Olivas, Moyano – Suarez, Alcaraz, Michel, Antonito – Suarez, Unal (4-4-2)
Espanyol Team:
Lopez – Vila, Hermoso, Lopez, Lopez – Granero, Roca, Darder – Garcia, Iglesias, Perez (4-3-3)
Be the first to comment