Espanyol vs Valencia Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

Both teams are battling to come out of the relegation zone.
This week in LaLiga it’s the relegation battle that goes off as Espanyol and Valencia clash on Wednesday in a match that could shape their seasons.
Espanyol, sitting 18th, comes off a frustrating 0-0 draw with Osasuna, despite dominating in shots. Valencia, rooted to the bottom in 20th, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Real Valladolid despite creating more chances.
Both teams are desperate for points, for obvious reasons. Home and away advantage/disadvantage goes out of the window in this ‘survival of the fittest’ kind of game.
Kick-off
Wednesday, December 18, 8:30 p.m. UK
Thursday, December 19, 2:00 a.m. IST
Location: RCDE Stadium
Form
Espanyol (in LaLiga): L-L-W-L-D
Valencia (in LaLiga): D-W-L-L-L
Players to watch
Irvin Cardona (Espanyol)
It’s hard to have a player in focus when the team is stuck in reverse, and fighting for survival. But we can say keep an eye on Cardona. He only has one goal and that too came in the last game of November against Cadiz. But he’s got the fans’ backing, so that should motivate him to net in more goals.
Luis Rioja (Valencia CF)
Valencia are dead last. Already six points adrift of the safe zone but they have two games in hand. However, they would need Luis Rioja to find consistency going forward. He has been contributing to almost all the goals for them (and they haven’t been scoring much). But the consistency should come from him.
Match facts
- Espanyol are unbeaten in the last four games against Valencia in LaLiga
- They have played out three draws in the last three league games
- Espanyol have just lost once in their last three league games, while Valencia are on a three-match losing streak
Espanyol vs. Valencia: Betting tips & odds
- Tip 1: Match to end in a draw-11/5 Ladbrokes
- Tip 2: Cardona to score-19/5 LiveScore Bet
- Tip 3: Over 2 goals-29/20 Star Sports
Injury & team news
Espanyol will be without Pol Lozano and Marash Kumbulla, both suspended, while José Gragera remains sidelined with a finger injury, likely to return in late January. These absences leave coach Luis García with limited options in midfield and defence.
Valencia face an injury crisis, missing key players José Gayà (hamstring) and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili (thigh), alongside long-term absentees Mouctar Diakhaby and Thierry Correia. Their defensive depth will be severely tested.
Head-to-head
Games: 26
Espanyol: 6
Valencia: 13
Draws: 7
Predicted lineups
Espanyol (4-4-2)
Garcia; Tejero, Cabrera, Calero, Olivan; Roca, Smith, Kral, Romero; Cardona, Puado
Valencia (4-4-2)
Dimitrievski; Foulquier, Tarrega, Mosquera, Vazquez; Perez, Pepelu, Guerra, Rioja; Duro, Lopez
Match prediction
We predict both teams to share the spoils for this one. But expect some goals and fiery action.
Prediction: Espanyol 2 – 2 Valencia
Telecast
India: GXR World
UK: Premier Sports and ITV
USA: ESPN+
Nigeria: SuperSport
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