MX23RW : Saturday, April 27 08:48:49| >> :120:46794:46794:
[monks data]
Espanyol logo
La Liga | Gameweek 38
Jun 4, 2023 at 8pm UK
RCDE Stadium
Almeria

Espanyol
3 - 3
Almeria

Puado (13'), Pierre-Gabriel (49'), Koleosho (73')
Olivan (30'), Montes (41')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Bilal Toure (10'), Embarba (58', 87' pen.)
Pozo (30'), Samu (45'), Ramazani (87'), Melero (89')

Preview: Espanyol vs. Almeria - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's La Liga clash between Espanyol and Almeria, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Almeria will attempt to stave off relegation when they make the trip to the RCDE Stadium to face Espanyol on the final day of the season.

Meanwhile, Sunday's contest will be the last La Liga game that Espanyol will play for at least one season after their relegation was confirmed last weekend.


Match preview

Espanyol's Joselu celebrates scoring their first goal on March 11, 2023© Reuters

Espanyol looked set to take their survival fight to the final day of the season when they came from behind to take a 2-1 lead against Valencia at Mestalla last weekend.

Goals from Cesar Montes and Martin Braithwaite gave Espanyol a slender advantage after Diego Lopez had opened the scoring, but the Periquitos were unable to hold on, as Samuel Lino scored a stoppage-time equaliser to snatch a point for Los Che.

The 2-2 draw condemned Espanyol to the second tier, but rather than one game, multiple factors have contributed to their plight, including a vulnerable backline that has shipped 66 goals in 37 matches, leaving them with the joint-worst defensive record in La Liga.

They have also struggled on home turf this season, picking up just 18 points in as many games at the RCDE stadium - only Elche have collected fewer points at home in the top flight.

Espanyol have won their last two competitive home games against Almeria, and they will be hoping to claim another victory on Sunday as they look to end a disappointing campaign on a positive note.

Almeria's Rodrigo Ely and Srdan Babic celebrate after the match on February 26, 2023© Reuters

Sitting in 16th position and one point clear of the bottom three, Almeria are at risk of joining Espanyol in the second tier next season.

Rubi's side have spurned the chance to put distance between themselves and the drop zone in their last two games, after following a 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad with a goalless draw against Real Valladolid.

Sunday's visitors know that they will be guaranteed survival if they collect a point, but if they lose at the RCDE Stadium, they will be relegated if Valladolid and Celta Vigo avoid defeat.

Almeria will be concerned by the fact that they hold their worst away record in the top flight this season, picking up just seven points from their 18 away matches.

Having failed to keep a clean sheet in an away league game this term, Almeria will have to produce a solid defensive display if they are to leave Catalonia with at least a point.

Espanyol La Liga form:

Almeria La Liga form:


Team News

Almeria's El Bilal Toure celebrates scoring their first goal on February 26, 2023© Reuters

Sergi Gomez will miss out for the hosts through injury, but Jose Gragera is expected to be available as he continues to manage an injury problem.

Garcia has confirmed that Leandro Cabrera will be unavailable, with the defender set to become a father for the first time.

Joselu is on the verge of winning the Zarra trophy - an award given to the Spanish player with the most goals in La Liga - and he will attempt to add to his 16-goal league tally on Sunday.

As for the visitors, they remain without the services of Leo Baptistao and Martin Svidersky, while there are doubts over the availability of Kaiky and Chumi.

Dyego Sousa is expected to retain his place in the forward line, with Luis Suarez set to miss a second game through suspension.

El Bilal Toure returned from a spell on the sidelines to feature as a late substitute against Valladolid, and he may have to settle for a place on the bench on Sunday due to his lack of match fitness.


Espanyol possible starting lineup:
Pacheco; Gil, Pierre-Gabriel, Montes, Calero, Olivan; Puado, Darder, Suarez; Joselu, Melamed

Almeria possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Pozo, Ely, Babic, Centelles; Melero, Costa, Robertone; Lazaro, Embarba, Sousa


SM words green background

We say: Espanyol 1-1 Almeria

Almeria have won just one of their 18 away league games this season, and with Espanyol unbeaten in three matches, we think that the visitors will have to be content with a point.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data


ID:515430:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect10163:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Espanyol vs Almeria

Espanyol
51.8%
Draw
25.0%
Almeria
23.2%
56
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Espanyol celebrate scoring against Barcelona on December 31, 2022
Read Next:
Espanyol relegated from La Liga, Real Sociedad clinch fourth spot
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leganes361712747212663
2EibarEibar361871159401961
3Real ValladolidValladolid361871144311361
4Espanyol361514752371559
5ElcheElche36169113833557
6Real Oviedo361413945321355
7Sporting GijonSporting Gijon361510114335855
8Racing de SantanderRacing371510125651555
9Racing Club de FerrolRacing de Ferrol361412104342154
10Burgos36158134446-253
11Levante36121684240252
12TenerifeTenerife361210143236-446
13Real ZaragozaZaragoza361112133534145
14Huesca36915123127442
15Eldense361012144151-1042
16CartagenaCartagena36119163345-1242
17MirandesMirandes361011154150-941
18AlcorconAlcorcon361010162746-1940
19Albacete36912154150-939
20Amorebieta36910173245-1337
21FC AndorraFC Andorra37910182944-1537
22Villarreal II3699183352-1936


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!