Real Valladolid vs Espanyol predictions and match preview for Sunday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as two bottom half sides clash.
| Date | Sunday 5th March 2023 |
| Kick-Off | 14:00 (CET) |
| Stadium | Jose Zorrilla |
| Competition | LaLiga Santander |
Real Valladolid vs Espanyol Preview
Sunday’s action in LaLiga kicks off at the Jose Zorrilla where Real Valladolid will be entertaining Espanyol. Both teams are very much in the relegation picture but Espanyol could for the first time this season put real distance between themselves and the drop-zone with a win here.
There are sure to be plenty of twists and turns before the relegation places are decided and the last few weeks alone shows just how quickly things can change. A fortnight ago, Real Valladolid were full of belief with January signing Cyle Larin helping inspire them to a return of 7 points from matches against Valencia, Real Sociedad and Osasuna with 0 goals conceded in the process.
They were 3 points better off than Espanyol at that point but head into this game 3 points behind the Catalan club again after 2-1 and 3-0 defeats against Celta Vigo and Real Betis. You still have to go back to before the World Cup for the last time somebody other than Larin scored in LaLiga for Real Valladolid and they have a host of selection issues which add to Pacheta’s problems heading into this game.
Espanyol meanwhile suddenly have players back and following wins over Elche and Mallorca, they may just fancy their chances of putting together a strong end to the season. With everyone fit, their starting XI has quite a strong feel to it now with January signings Fernando Pacheco, Cesar Montes and Denis Suarez already feeling like established starters.
Joselu is also available again and with Martin Braithwaite enjoying a decent run in front of goal, Diego Martinez will be feeling a lot more positive about life. It’s also worth noting that they’ve only actually lost 3 of their 11 away fixtures in LaLiga this term which is a decent record for a team that has spent most of the campaign hovering just above the relegation zone.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Real Valladolid
| INJURED | Kenedy, Anuar, Masip |
| DOUBTFUL | Machis |
| BANNED | Kike, Amallah |
Possible XI: Asenjo – Olaza, Javi Sanchez, El Yamiq, Luis Perez – Mesa, Monchu – Ivan Sanchez, Plano, Plata – Larin (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Pacheta
Espanyol
| INJURED | Pedrosa, Bare, Gori Gracia |
| DOUBTFUL | Dani Gomez |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Pacheco – Olivan, Cabrera, Montes, Gil – Souza, Darder – Braithwaite, Denis Suarez, Puado – Joselu (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Diego Martinez
Score Prediction: Real Valladolid 1-2 Espanyol
All the momentum is with the visitors heading into this one with fewer selection issues and the better results over the past fortnight. Real Valladolid just aren’t carrying anywhere near enough of a goal threat and they weren’t too sharp defensively either in Vigo. Their problems could potentially get worse here.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga match 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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