Espanyol vs Almeria predictions and match preview for Sunday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as the visitors aim for survival on the final weekend.
| Date | Sunday 4th June 2023 |
| Kick-Off | 21:00 (CEST) |
| Stadium | RCDE Stadium |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Espanyol vs Almeria Preview
Almeria head to the RCDE Stadium knowing a final day win will be enough to keep them in the Spanish top flight. They are up against an Espanyol side that was relegated last weekend with a draw at Valencia.
It’s likely to be a somewhat toxic atmosphere at the RCDE Stadium with Espanyol fans angry with the board and most likely some of their players too for an unexpected relegation. There was plenty of optimism when they appointed Diego Martinez at the start of the campaign but things never really clicked into place as they might have and with some fairly fundamental flaws evident throughout, this outcome has grown increasingly likely as the season has progressed.
In fairness to Espanyol, they have shown a bit of spirit in recent weeks and got some better results and they are unbeaten in 3 coming into this. They may feel that decisions have gone badly against them in their last two games which both ended level with Samuel Lino’s 93rd minute goal at Valencia last weekend relegating them to the second tier.
Had they held on, this game would have taken on a totally different complexion and that goal may well have been cheered just as loudly in Almeria as it was at Mestalla. Rubi’s team now travel to the RCDE Stadium to play a team that has nothing at stake and they’ll fancy their chances a lot more as a result, although they will still need to overcome a few away demons having only won once on the road all season.
Almeria could and probably should have secured safety last weekend. They had much the better chances in their home game against fellow strugglers Real Valladolid but couldn’t find that elusive breakthrough in a game that ended goalless. The absence of the suspended Luis Suarez didn’t help and the Colombian forward will also be absent here as a result of a ban, although they do have El Bilal Toure available again after a long-term injury although the young forward may not be fit enough to start.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Espanyol
Possible XI: Pacheco – Pedrosa, Cabrera, Montes, Gil – Exposito, Darder, Melamed – Braithwaite, Joselu, Puado (4-3-3)
Coach: Luis Garcia
Almeria
| INJURED | Svidersky, Kaiky, Baptistao |
| DOUBTFUL | Chumi |
| BANNED | Luis Suarez |
Possible XI: Fernando – Centelles, Ely, Babic, Pozo – Robertone, Melero, Samu – Embarba, Sousa, Lazaro (4-3-3)
Coach: Rubi
Score Prediction
It’s really hard to know how Espanyol will react to the disappointment of relegation but in truth this feels like a game their players won’t be looking forward to. The atmosphere could be relatively toxic and while much of the anger won’t be directed at their players or coach Luis Garcia, those conditions should aid the opposition who will be fighting hard for their lives. Almeria may have enough to claim the win that would keep them up.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga score predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
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