La Liga: Sevilla Vs Espanyol Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

The recent fixture list has been brutal for Sevilla, as they have faced La Liga title favourites Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, as well as Valencia, who are currently struggling, but were once a powerhouse and a top-four rival from seasons past. 

Their contests against the Madrid clubs were highly entertaining and illuminated attacking prowess, often associated with La Liga, although in the end, they lost 4-2 and 4-3 respectively. In their matchup against Valencia, Sevilla needed last-minute heroism from substitute left-back, Adrià Pedrosa, in the 93rd minute to salvage a point.

Sevilla also claimed valuable wins against Celta Vigo and Girona, the latter being a 2-1 away win last weekend.

Garcia Pimienta’s men will hope to kick start a winning run and surge upwards on the congested table that has witnessed tight competition for European qualification. The sleeping giants have experienced disappointing seasons after being European giants for much of the 21st century. 

Their dominance over Espanyol will surely continue, with their opponents fighting to escape the relegation zone and their vibrant and electric home ground offering a significant boost for the Los Nervionenses.

Leandro Cabrera and Dodi Lukebakio//Getty Images

Espanyol has had a difficult season since its promotion from the Segunda Division. They have lost 11 matches, won four and drawn five. However, in their recent five matches, they have only lost once with most of their results being draws.

Espanyol drew 0-0 with Osasuna, following it up with a 1-1 draw against Valencia and a disappointing 1-0 away loss to Las Palmas. They followed that up with a 1-1 draw with Leganes before finally registering their fourth win of the season against bottom-of-the-table Real Valladolid in a 2-1 home victory. 

Espanyol has patched up their leaky defence that has so far 32 goals, which is tied for third worst in the league. However, their struggles in front of goal are wanting. Their recent games have been tight nicked with an emphasis on defensive rigidity and solidarity over advanced open play.

They will have to be alert against an attacking Sevilla side that has had their number in their recent encounters if they are to walk away with anything from the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.