Espanyol vs Alaves Match Preview: Key Insights & Predictions
After back-to-back defeats to open the new season, Espanyol seemed to have turned the corner. They earned four points from their last two matches.
Holding Atletico Madrid to a goalless draw at the Wanda Metropolitano might have spurred them on.
This momentum led to a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano. It took an additional-time winner from Alejo Valiz to secure the victory, their very first at home this season.
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Espanyol’s Recent Performance
The goals by Carlos Romero and Alejo Valiz were significant. They marked the first pair of goals Espanyol has scored this season. It is noteworthy that these goals came after the fourth game of the season. Espanyol will need to work the Alaves defense harder to add to their goal tally.
Alaves’ Strong Start
On the other hand, Alaves has had a different fortune compared to Espanyol. They started the season with a defeat against Celta Vigo. However, this setback might have been the jolt they needed. Since surrendering a one-nil lead in that game, Alaves has remained unbeaten. They have achieved two wins and a draw in their subsequent matches.
In their last outing before the international break, Alaves secured a two-nil win over Las Palmas. However, the most significant result for them was the 2-1 win away at Real Sociedad. They will come into this game hoping to build on that result from their last outing on the road.
Head-to-Head: Espanyol vs Alaves
Alaves’ start to the season has not been surprising. They ended their 2023/2024 campaign not just surviving relegation but also finishing mid-table. Espanyol is back in La Liga after one season in the second division. Their chief target will be to avoid returning to the lower division after just one season.
In recent years, Espanyol has led the head-to-head meetings with three wins from five matches. The last time both teams met in 2022, before Espanyol’s relegation, Alaves secured a 3-1 win at home. The visitors have struggled in each of their last five visits to this ground. This suggests they will have to work hard to secure any result from this game.
Match Prediction: Espanyol vs Alaves
Based on current form, we predict this game will end in a score draw. The visitors may win the first half, with both teams likely to score. Villareal’s current form cannot be overlooked. Therefore, we suggest betting on over 2.5 goals, given their goal-scoring form and propensity to concede.
We also tip Ayoze Perez to score anytime and Villareal to win either half of this meeting. This match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to secure valuable points early in the season.
