Valencia vs Espanyol Preview & Prediction | 2022-23 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Valencia vs Espanyol on and what time does it start? Valencia vs Espanyol will take place on Sunday 28th May, 2023 – 18:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Valencia vs Espanyol? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Valencia vs Espanyol on in the UK? Valencia vs Espanyol will be televised live on LaLigaTV (Sky channel 435, Virgin channel 554) for those with a Viaplay subscription, while Sky and Virgin customers can also sign up to the channel.
Where can I stream Valencia vs Espanyol in the UK? Valencia vs Espanyol can be streamed live on Viaplay
THE LOWDOWN
Valencia
About a month ago, it became quite likely that Ruben Baraja would oversee Valencia being relegated to the second-tier. However, some incredibly impressive form and improvement means the Mestalla club have leapt up the table but, despite sitting on the supposedly magic points total of 40, they begin the weekend’s round of fixtures sitting just two points above the bottom three and the relegation places.
The home team come into this on the back of a slender 1-0 defeat away to Real Mallorca in their most recent outing, during the midweek. That loss followed a run of four victories and a draw in their previous six matches as they appeared certain to march towards securing their La Liga status for next season.
Due to the racial abuse aimed at Vinicius Junior in last weekend’s victory over Real Madrid, Valencia will endure a partial stadium closure for the remainder of the season and that could be crucial in this match as they face up against a fellow relegation battler.
Espanyol
The sacking of Diego Martinez and appointment of Luis Garcia hasn’t sparked much of a revival for Espanyol and, with two games to go of the 2022/23 La Liga campaign, they sit three points adrift of safety. The Catalans come into this feeling extremely aggrieved, though, after their thrilling 3-3 draw with Atletico Madrid in midweek.
In that match, Atletico Madrid went 3-0 up just after half-time but were fortunate to be three goals up with one of those goals seemingly not crossing the line. However, Espanyol did fight back to earn a point with a dramatic comeback in the final half an hour of the match.
That high-scoring thriller was a good example and representation of their high-scoring nature throughout the campaign. In their 36 matches so far this season, there has been a remarkable combined total of 111 goals.
THE PREDICTION
Despite sitting on the aforementioned 40-point mark, Valencia could fall into the relegation zone this weekend if results go against them. Ruben Baraja's side enjoyed that spell of collecting 13 points in six matches but it now appears that it was much-needed. A defeat at home to 19th placed Espanyol would move the Catalans two points behind Valencia heading into the final day of the campaign. This is quite simply a must-win fixture for the away team if they are to avoid a second relegation in the last four seasons. The visitors may well benefit from Mestalla being partially closed and this could be an afternoon of chaos in Valencia.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE & OVER 2.5 GOALS
