Espanyol vs Real Madrid: Preview and Prediction

Real Madrid will look to make it five wins in a row in the league when they hit the road to square up against relegation-threatened Espanyol.

La Liga leaders Real Madrid will look to ensure they maintain their four-point lead at the top with a win over Espanyol, who want to break out of the drop zone.

The home team are 18th on the points table with just 20 points in their 21 outings. The Catalan outfit have been struggling since the start of the season and will have to put together a run of decent results if they want to avoid a relegation battle heading towards the final phase of the season.

They have been unbeaten in their last three league games, winning one of those fixtures. Espanyol are heading into this fixture on the back of a 1-1 draw against Sevilla, and they will be hoping they can get something out of the games against Los Blancos.

The visitors are top of the table with 49 points in their 21 outings. Things might not have been that great for them in other competitions but they have been quite consistent in La Liga. As a result, they are comfortably sitting at the top.

But, Real Madrid cannot rest on their laurels since Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are hot on their heels. The team in white have won each of their last five games across competitions, and they will be eager to build on it against Espanyol. The Hard Tackle takes a close look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.

Team News & Tactics

Espanyol

The home team will be without the services of Salvi Sanchez and Jose Gragera. Meanwhile, Brian Olivan is a major doubt for this fixture and Carlos Romero could end up taking his place in the starting eleven.

Head coach Manolo Gonzalez will stick to the same team that started in their last outing with Romero’s inclusion being the only change. Espanyol will line up in a 4-4-2 formation, where Joan Garcia will be in goal.

Omar El Hilali and Carlos Romero will be the full-backs, while Marash Kumbulla and Leandro Cabrera will feature in the heart of the defence. In the centre of the park, Jofre Carreras will feature on the right flank, while Alvaro Tejero will take charge on the left.

Alex Kral and Pol Lozano will be the two central midfielders for Espanyol. In the final third of the pitch, Roberto Fernandez will partner with Javi Puado.

Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Joan Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero; Carreras, Kral, Lozano, Tejero; Puado, Fernandez

Espanyol vs Real Madrid Predicted XI

Real Madrid

Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao remain on the sidelines for the visitors. However, Real Madrid could have a boost as Eduardo Camavinga could overcome a muscular problem to be back in the squad.

Vinicius Junior is back in the mix after serving a suspension, and he should return to the starting XI. Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make a few changes to the starting eleven, but he will stick to the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Thibaut Courtois will continue in goal for Real Madrid against Espanyol. Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy will be the full-backs, while Raul Asencio should return to the starting eleven and partner Antonio Rudiger at the back.

Aurelien Tchouameni will move back into the midfield and partner Federico Valverde to form the double pivot. They will look to control the tempo of the game. Jude Bellingham will be the attacking midfielder with Vinicius and Rodrygo on the flanks. Kylian Mbappe will continue to lead the line for them.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe

Espanyol vs Real Madrid Predicted XI

Key Stats

  • Real Madrid have won each of their last five games heading into this fixture.
  • Espanyol have only won one out of their last six league games.
  • Manolo Gonzalez’s team are unbeaten at home in the league since the end of October.
  • Los Blancos have won each of their last four games against the home team.
  • The reverse fixture ended 4-1 in favour of the team in white.

Player to Watch

Vinicius Junior

Embed from Getty Images

Having missed three out of Real Madrid’s last four games because of suspension, Vinicius Junior will be eager to take the field and make an impact. The 24-year-old has 16 goals and 10 assists in the ongoing campaign, and he will be eager to add to his tally.

Prediction

Espanyol 0-4 Real Madrid

Real Madrid have won each of their last five games while Espanyol have only won one out of their last seven league games. Both teams are on opposite ends of the table, and there is a clear difference in quality. While the home team will try their best to keep Real Madrid in check, the visitors should ease past them. The Hard Tackle predicts an easy 4-0 win for the team in white.

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