Real Madrid vs Espanyol predictions, H2H and match preview for this Saturday’s game in La Liga. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups as Los Blancos aim for another three points against struggling opposition.
Real Madrid vs Espanyol Preview
The fact these clubs have a somewhat ‘friendly’ relationship is well documented and Barcelona fans won’t be expecting any favours from their city rivals here. That’s more to do with how bad Espanyol have been this season as opposed to any wild conspiracy theories. Pablo Machin’s side are facing up to the prospect of a long, hard relegation battle and anything here would be a massive bonus.
They come up against a Real Madrid side that is genuinely starting to play well again. It’s one that has at times clicked going forward but just as crucially has also displayed an ability to grind out wins in potentially tricky away games, such as last weekend’s 2-1 victory at Alaves. They head into this game level on points with Barca and will be determined to at least keep it that way heading into the Clasico later in the month.
If there’s a crumb of comfort heading into this game for Espanyol, it is that 8 of their 9 points this season in La Liga have come away. However they really hit rock bottom last weekend with a woeful 4-2 home defeat against Osasuna. Pablo Machin wasn’t shy about publicly criticising his players and that’s a policy that could either draw a reaction or badly backfire.
We should get some indication as to which is more likely here. Los Blancos are missing Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale to injury which limits Real’s attacking options a bit but things have really been ticking in midfield of late with Zinedine Zidane restoring something akin to a diamond with Isco back in favour. Espanyol meanwhile could ring the changes after last weekend’s capitulation.
Real Madrid vs Espanyol Predictions
Score Prediction: 3-0 Real Madrid
Even if Espanyol were playing well, you wouldn’t fancy them here and there should only be one outcome to this match. Real Madrid have been really impressive of late with Fede Valverde adding a new dimension to their midfield and Karim Benzema continuing to lead the line brilliantly. They should have far too much quality for Espanyol who look to be sliding towards the Segunda Division for the first time since the 1990’s.
Real Madrid vs Espanyol Betting Tips (18+)
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Real Madrid vs Espanyol H2H
- Last 6 competitive meetings: 5 Real Madrid Wins, 1 Espanyol Win.
- Real have won 13 of the last 14 league meetings.
- They’ve won the last 5 meetings at the Bernabeu to nil.
- Espanyol last defeated Real Madrid in February last year, 1-0 at the RCDE Stadium.
Predicted Line Ups
Real Madrid Team:
Courtois – Mendy, Ramos, Varane, Carvajal – Casemiro, Modric, Valverde – Isco – Benzema, Rodrygo (4-3-1-2)
Espanyol Team:
Diego Lopez – Calero, Bernardo, David Lopez – Pedrosa, Darder, Roca, Granero, Pipa – Wu, Calleri (3-5-2)
We have match previews and predictions for every game in La Liga this season.
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