Valencia vs Espanyol Prediction Adam Hakanson Pro Tipster

Valencia: Form, Lineup & Prediction

Current form

Valencia has won 2 of their last 4 matches, including a notable victory at Real Madrid. They have shown resilience with a solid defensive record recently, including clean sheets against Sevilla.

Key players and injuries

• Thierry Correia (injury), Iván Jaime (injury) - Unavailable
• Jose Gaya, Dimitri Foulquier, Luis Rioja all return from suspension and may start, potentially displacing Max Aarons, Mouctar Diakhaby, and Jesus Vazquez.
• Mouctar Diakhaby: Scored crucial goals recently, including the winner against Real Madrid. Strong defensive presence.
• Hugo Duro: Scored the late winner at Real Madrid, showing clutch performance.
• Jose Gaya: Returning from suspension, influential in defense and attack down the left flank.

Position in the standings

Valencia is positioned near the relegation zone but have gained crucial points recently to improve their standing.

Strengths and weaknesses

Valencia's recent tactical setup is primarily a 4-2-3-1 formation. They average possession around 45-47%, focusing on quick transitions rather than dominating possession. Defensive solidity is a key feature, with an emphasis on aerial duels (45% success) and tackling (1.2 tackles per game). Set-piece effectiveness has been moderate, with goals coming from headers and well-executed counters.

Prediction for Valencia

Valencia has shown signs of fighting their way out of the relegation battle with some impressive recent results. Their renewed defensive solidity and ability to grind out wins against top opposition like Real Madrid bodes well. However, key injuries and suspensions leave them slightly depleted for this match.

Espanyol: Form, Lineup & Prediction

Current form

Espanyol is in good form with 2 wins and 1 draw in their last 3 matches. They have been defensively disciplined, conceding very few goals recently.

Key players and injuries

• Javi Puado (suspension due to 5th yellow card), José Gragera (foot surgery, out for the season), Pablo Ramón (injury) - Unavailable
• Brian Oliván (fitness uncertain), Sergio Camello and Joni Montiel (fitness to be assessed) - Doubtful
• Florian Lejeune returns from suspension and may replace Pelayo Fernandez in defense.

Position in the standings

Espanyol is mid-table, pushing for a higher finish possibly targeting European qualification spots.

Strengths and weaknesses

Espanyol also tends to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on defensive organization. They have slightly higher possession stats (~49-52%) and aerial duel success (around 52%). Average shots per game are lower (~0.6-0.7), indicating a more cautious attacking approach. Defensive metrics show strong tackling (1.1 tackles per game) and disciplined marking.

Prediction for Espanyol

Espanyol's recent form has been impressive, grinding out results through defensive discipline. Their balanced tactical approach and ability to manage games should make them competitive against Valencia. However, the absence of key attacking threat Javi Puado through suspension is a notable blow to their creative abilities.

Head-to-Head statistics (Recent Meetings)

• Recent meetings have been competitive with a slight edge to Espanyol in terms of unbeaten runs against Valencia in all competitions.
• Matches tend to be low scoring and tightly contested, with defensive solidity a common theme.
• No major incidents reported in the last few encounters.

Betting Odds & Coefficients

• 1X2 Odds:
  • Valencia: Approximately 2.50
  • Draw: Approximately 3.20
  • Espanyol: Approximately 2.80
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Odds favor under 2.5 goals, reflecting recent low-scoring trends.
• BTTS (Both Teams to Score): Moderate odds, with a slight lean towards both teams scoring given Valencia's recent attacking output.
• Draw No Bet and Handicap: Available with slight favor towards Valencia due to home advantage and recent form.