Alaves vs Espanyol Match Preview & Prediction

Alaves vs Espanyol predictions, H2H and match preview for this Sunday’s game in La Liga. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups as the hosts look to make it two home wins from two to start the season.

Alaves vs Espanyol Preview

Alaves were fairly widely tipped to struggle having overachieved for most of last season, especially following the departure of their influential boss Abelardo. However they will see this match as a really good opportunity to put their second win on the board having beaten Levante at home on the opening day. They take on an Espanyol side that was victorious in Europe on Thursday night but despite that there will be plenty to concern fans of the Barcelona club.

They are expected to lose Marc Roca to Bayern over the next few days adding to a lengthy list of major departures this summer with not only their coach but key men Borja Iglesias and Mario Hermoso having also already left the club. They should have some significant funds to spend now but they are rapidly running out of time to get any major deals over the line and any incoming transfers are likely to come after this match.

Espanyol have done well in the Europa League, winning all of their five matches so far but they were very much second best against Sevilla in La Liga on the opening weekend, losing 2-0 at the RCDE Stadium. The short turnaround is something that they are going to have to get used to assuming they do progress to the Europa League group stage and it could hamper them again here following a 3-1 victory over Zorya on Thursday.

Alaves didn’t set the world on fire against Levante last time out but they looked solid at the back and Asier Garitano would have been pleased to see Joselu get on the scoresheet on his debut of the club.

Check out our 2019/20 season previews for both teams – Alaves | Espanyol

Alaves vs Espanyol Predictions

Score Prediction: 2-0 Alaves

These are slightly worrying times for Espanyol. They have had their spine ripped out by the departures of Hermoso, Iglesias and now most likely Roca. With less than 72 hours rest from their European exploits, they may struggle here against an Alaves side that tends to enjoy life at Mendizorrotza.

Alaves vs Espanyol H2H

• Last 6 meetings: 3 Espanyol Wins, 2 Alaves Wins, 1 Draw.
• Both games last season saw the home team win 2-1.
• Alaves have won their last 2 home games against Espanyol.
• However they’ve only won 2 of the last 11 meetings overall.

Check out all our weekend La Liga previews and predictions.

Predicted Line Ups

Alaves Team:

Pacheco – Aguirregabiria, Ely, Maripan, Duarte – Pina – Rioja, Mubarak, Manu Garcia, Vidal – Joselu (4-1-4-1)

Espanyol Team:

Lopez – Vila, Calero, Naldo, Lopez – Vargas, Sanchez, Darder, Melendo – Wu, Ferreyra (4-4-2)

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