Newly promoted Espanyol are targeting back-to-back victories this weekend in Spain. Our Espanyol vs Alaves prediction and La Liga betting tips consider whether they’ll get the win against in-form opposition.
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Espanyol vs Alaves prediction: No goals at the RCDE Stadium
Key stats
- Our Espanyol vs Alaves betting tips take into account that the hosts have been involved in three games with one or fewer goals already this term.
- After losing starts, Espanyol are unbeaten in two matches, while Alaves are unbeaten in three.
- Neither side has scored or conceded more than twice in any match so far this term.
Correct score prediction: Espanyol 0-0 Alaves
This looks like it’ll be a close game between two teams who don’t appear to have many obvious goal threats. New signing Toni Martinez has started well for the visitors, but it’s doubtful whether he’ll be able to keep his current scoring form going and Espanyol ought to be able to grab a point, having lost just three of their last 24 at home in all competitions.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Not much to separate the teams
- HOME: 13/8 (2.63) – 38.1%
- DRAW: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
- AWAY: 7/4 (2.75) – 36.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The hosts are the slight favourites according to the Espanyol vs Alaves odds with an implied probability of 38.1% that they win this match.
Espanyol picked up a much needed victory last time out, with Alejo Veliz scoring a 96th minute winner to seal a 2-1 home win over Rayo Vallecano.
As for Alaves, they head into this after a 2-0 home win over Las Palmas, with Carlos Vicente starting the scoring, before Martinez added a late second.
Today’s free football betting tips look at some of the best picks from the upcoming action around the world.
Most recent H2Hs: Home advantage normally key
Our Espanyol vs Alaves prediction suggests this may end level, but five of the last six meetings have been won by the team playing at home. Alaves have taken just one point from their last five league trips to this stadium.
Spain La Liga 11/05/22
CD Alaves
Espanyol
Spain La Liga 22/09/21
Espanyol
CD Alaves
Spain La Liga 13/06/20
Espanyol
CD Alaves
Spain La Liga 25/08/19
CD Alaves
Espanyol
Spain La Liga 13/04/19
Espanyol
CD Alaves
Espanyol preview: Defensive doubts for the Catalans
The home team are sweating over the fitness of defenders Leandro Cabrera and Fernando Calero. Edu Exposito is out injured.
Predicted Lineup: Garcia (GK), Gomez, Kumbulla, El Hilali, Romero, Kral, Gragera, Jofre, Puado, Veliz & Aguado
Spain Primera Liga 31/08/24 W Rayo Vallecano 1 Espanyol 2 Spain Primera Liga 28/08/24 D Atletico Madrid 0 Espanyol 0 Spain Primera Liga 24/08/24 L Real Sociedad 1 Espanyol 0 Spain Primera Liga 19/08/24 L Valladolid 1 Espanyol 0 Club Friendly List 10/08/24 L Heidenheim 2 Espanyol 1
Alaves preview: Just the one absentee
Things are looking good on the selection front for Luis Garcia, with Hugo Novoa expected to be their only absentee due to injury.
Predicted Lineup: Sivera (GK), Sanchez, Sedlar, Abqar, Tenaglia, Guevara, Blanco, Conechny, Guridi, Vicente & Martinez
Spain Primera Liga 01/09/24 W Las Palmas 0 CD Alaves 2 Spain Primera Liga 28/08/24 W Real Sociedad 1 CD Alaves 2 Spain Primera Liga 25/08/24 D Real Betis 0 CD Alaves 0 Spain Primera Liga 16/08/24 L Celta Vigo 2 CD Alaves 1 Elite Club Friendlies 10/08/24 W Osasuna 1 CD Alaves 2
Player to watch – Toni Martinez
There aren’t many obvious sources of a goal in this match, but Alaves’ forward Toni Martinez is one. He has registered two key goals in just 46 minutes of action in La Liga so far for his new club.
Martinez targeting continuity
The 27-year-old will be hoping for regular football at last, having warmed the bench throughout much of a long stay with Porto. He made just 25 league starts across four seasons with the Portuguese club, but his scoring rate was a healthy goal every 143 minutes.
