Espanyol vs Sevilla Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Espanyol have been one of the surprise packages in La Liga so far this season as they now take on a wildly inconsistent Sevilla side at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / Disney+ / US – ESPN+
Espanyol preview: Improved Espanyol
Following the takeover of Espanyol by Burnley owner Alan Pace over the summer, the Catalans have enjoyed a strong start to this season that puts them into a position to believe they can challenge for a top seven or eight spot and European football.
However, their form has dipped as the season has gone on and they come into this one on the back of a 2-0 loss to Villarreal a couple of weeks ago, backing up a frustrating 2-1 loss to Deportivo Alaves in the Basque Country a week earlier.
Sevilla preview: Inconsistent Sevilla
In crisis off the pitch, Sevilla began yet another new era over the summer with Argentine coach Matias Almeyda being appointed and their peak is very high, as shown by a 4-1 demolition of defending champions Barcelona in early-October.
However, the Andalusians then went on a recent three-match losing streak before heading into the November international break on the back of a much-needed but unconvincing 1-0 defeat of a poor Osasuna side at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
Espanyol team news: Javi Puado out
Key attacking midfielder Javi Puado is unavailable for Espanyol this weekend as he deals with a longer term knee injury but they have no other fresh concerns.
Predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Jose Salinas; Dolan, Urko Gonzalez, Pol Lozano, Pere Milla; Edu Exposito; Roberto Fernandez
Unavailable: Javi Puado (Injured)
Questionable:
Sevilla team news: Several issues
Sevilla have plenty of injury issues for this one as Cesar Azpilicueta is a doubt alongside Fabio Cardoso and Marcao, whilst Jose Angel Carmona is missing through suspension.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Vlachodimos; Kike Salas, Gudelj, Ramon Martinez; Juanlu, Sow, Mendy, Suazo; Vargas, Adams, Peque
Unavailable: Nianzou (Injured), Jose Angel Carmona (Suspended), Sanchez (Injured), Isaac Romero (Injured)
Questionable: Cardoso (Injured), Cesar Azpilicueta (Injured), Marcao (Injured), Agoume (Injured)
Espanyol vs Sevilla prediction
The sheer volume of defensive injury or suspension issues for Sevilla for this one will give Espanyol a lot of hope as they welcome the Andalusians to Catalonia. Espanyol have been a lot better to watch this season but have perhaps balanced that by being more susceptible defensively. The availability concerns for Sevilla and home advantage should mark Espanyol out as slight favourites for a potentially enjoyable clash for the neutral.
Espanyol vs Sevilla tip: Espanyol to win & both teams to score
