Two newly promoted sides clash on the opening matchday in La Liga. Our Real Valladolid vs Espanyol prediction and La Liga betting tips consider whether either side can make the dream start to life back in the top tier.
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Real Valladolid vs Espanyol prediction: Hosts to edge low scoring game
Key stats
- Our Real Valladolid vs Espanyol betting tips take into account a return of just one victory from four pre-season outings for the visitors.
- Only one of Espanyol’s last 10 matches, including friendlies, have seen both teams score.
- Real Valladolid have won six of their last eight competitive home games, drawing the other two.
Correct score prediction: Real Valladolid 1-0 Espanyol
Both sides look like they may be short on goal threats at the top level. However, Real Valladolid can take confidence from their impressive home record last season, with just two defeats at the Jose Zorrilla. They may just nick this, with a relatively settled eleven, after a host of loanees completed permanent moves to the club early in the window.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Real Valladolid the favourites
- HOME: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.5%
- DRAW: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
- AWAY: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The hosts are the favourites according to the Real Valladolid vs Espanyol odds with an implied probability of 43.5% that they get the better of their fellow newly promoted side.
Real Valladolid were 2-0 winners at Toulouse in their final pre-season game last weekend. Meanwhile, Espanyol signed off for pre-season with a 2-1 friendly defeat at Heidenheim.
For more picks, today’s football betting tips take a look at some of the best options from the action across Europe and beyond.
Most recent H2Hs: A fixture that normally favours the hosts
Our Real Valladolid vs Espanyol prediction suggests for the sixth time in seven meetings of these clubs, the side playing at home will win. The visitors have failed to win on any of their last six visits to the Jose Zorrilla, being reduced to 10 men on four occasions during that period.
Spain Segunda 11/05/24
Valladolid
Espanyol
Spain Copa del Rey 05/12/23
Espanyol
Valladolid
Spain Segunda 14/10/23
Espanyol
Valladolid
Spain La Liga 05/03/23
Valladolid
Espanyol
Spain La Liga 16/10/22
Espanyol
Valladolid
Real Valladolid preview: Goalkeeper serves opening day ban
The home team are missing keeper Andre Ferreira to suspension. Anuar is sidelined through injury.
Predicted Lineup: Hein (GK), Rosa, Javi Sanchez, Boyomo, Luis Perez, Kike Perez, Comert, Meseguer, Moro, Sylla & Ivan Sanchez
Spain La Liga 27/09/24 L Mallorca 2 Valladolid 1 Spain La Liga 24/09/24 L Sevilla 2 Valladolid 1 Spain La Liga 21/09/24 D Real Sociedad 0 Valladolid 0 Spain La Liga 15/09/24 L Celta Vigo 3 Valladolid 1 Spain La Liga 31/08/24 L Barcelona 7 Valladolid 0
Espanyol preview: Puado to lead the line?
With last season’s Segunda Division top scorer Martin Braithwaite in Brazil, Javi Puado may operate as a lone striker. Midfielder Edu Exposito is out injured.
Predicted Lineup: Joan Garcia (GK), Cabrera, Sergi Gomez, El Hilali, Romero, Gragera, Aguado, Tejero, Pere Milla, Puado & Carreras
Spain La Liga 29/09/24 L Real Betis 1 Espanyol 0 Spain La Liga 26/09/24 L Villarreal 2 Espanyol 1 Spain La Liga 21/09/24 L Real Madrid 4 Espanyol 1 Spain La Liga 14/09/24 W CD Alaves 2 Espanyol 3 Spain La Liga 31/08/24 W Rayo Vallecano 1 Espanyol 2
Player to watch – Mamadou Sylla
30-year-old Mamadou Sylla is expected to start up top for the home team. He netted eight times in 29 appearances in the Segunda Division last season, finishing as the top scorer for his club.
Can Sylla finally cut it in the top flight?
There are serious doubts about whether Sylla can make the step up though. In 41 previous appearances in La Liga, he hasn’t scored a single goal.
