On Saturday afternoon, relegation-threatened Espanyol hosts Athletic Club at the RCDE Stadium as both teams search for potentially vital points in La Liga.
Espanyol form guideThe Catalan team are in poor form lately, as a 2-1 defeat at Girona last time out was Espanyol’s fourth straight defeat in the Spanish top flight. The game followed a familiar defensive trend for the home side, conceding at least two goals for the fourth consecutive game.
The poor recent form in the Spanish top flight has seen Espanyol fall into the relegation zone. However, they are only in the danger zone courtesy of an inferior goal difference to 17th-place Valencia.
Espanyol has also won just once in their previous four home games in the Spanish top flight. Their recent home games in La Liga have been relatively high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in five of their previous eight matches.
Athletic Club form guideThe Basque team’s recent inconsistent form has made them outsiders to make the European spots in La Liga. In fact, Ernesto Valverde’s team has won just once in their last six matches in the Spanish top flight. Despite the lack of wins, the visitors have taken four points from their previous two outings in La Liga.
Like their recent league form in general, Athletic’s recent away record in La Liga has been inconsistent. However, they have suffered just one defeat in their last four away games in the Spanish top flight.
Latest team newsEspanyol are expected to be without Keidi Bare and Adria Pedrosa through injury. Athletic Club could well be without Inigo Lekue and Jon Morcillo due to various injuries.
What am I backing?Espanyol has been in terrible form, while Athletic’s recent form has been unconvincing. However, I am backing the visitors to record a narrow victory and add to Espanyol’s relegation fears.
