⁠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.

CARDONA MENTALITY. pic.twitter.com/ToBoN1HNM7

— RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol) November 30, 2024

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.

🟨 Tarjeta amarilla para Luis Rioja por protestar #LALIGAEASPORTS.🔴 Mallorca 1-1 Valencia 🟠 | 62' pic.twitter.com/R6nxvRgWha

— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) November 29, 2024

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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