Espanyol vs. Real Valladolid Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 17 January 2025

In a pivotal LaLiga showdown at the RCDE Stadium, Espanyol (18th) hosts Real Valladolid (19th) on 17 January 2025 at 20:00. With just one point separating these teams, this clash is crucial in the relegation battle.

Despite their challenging position, Espanyol is the bookmakers’ favorite with odds of 1.87 to win. Recent form indicates a slight edge for Espanyol, who have managed a win and a draw from their last five matches (DLDDL). Real Valladolid, in contrast, has been inconsistent with two wins in their last five (WLLWL).

Key players for Espanyol include Javier Puado, their top scorer with six goals, while for Real Valladolid, Raul Moro may play a crucial role despite negotiations for his transfer to Ajax. Both teams have injury concerns, but Espanyol’s attacking prowess, combined with Real Valladolid’s defensive frailties, make an Espanyol win likely.

The prediction for this match is an Espanyol victory, aligning with the match tips provided. Expect an intense contest as both teams fight to climb up the standings and ensure their LaLiga survival.

Espanyol vs Real Valladolid Prediction & Betting tip

Given the current form and statistics, the recommended betting tip for this match is an Espanyol win. Espanyol has been labelled as the bookmaker’s favourite, and there are several reasons behind this strategic pick.

• Espanyol is slightly ahead in recent form and considered favourite by the bookmakers with odds of 1.87.
• The home advantage at RCDE Stadium is significant, especially against a struggling Real Valladolid side.
• Real Valladolid’s defensive issues, combined with Espanyol’s attacking capabilities, make this a favourable bet.

Both teams are battling relegation, but Espanyol’s marginal edge in recent performances, combined with their top scorer Javier Puado’s form, tilts the scales in their favour.

Espanyol vs Real Valladolid Odds

The odds for this LaLiga clash have been set, making Espanyol the favorite to clinch the victory here. Espanyol’s stronger form and home advantage at the RCDE Stadium give them the edge in this critical relegation battle.

Here’s a quick look at the betting odds:

With Espanyol positioned as favorites by the bookmakers, the odds reflect their slightly better form and home-field advantage. Real Valladolid will need to up their game significantly to overcome these odds.

Espanyol Team Analysis

Espanyol Recent Performance

Espanyol’s recent form has been far from stellar, managing only three points from their last five matches. They are struggling in 18th place, just one point above Real Valladolid.

Their last five results have been disappointing:

Espanyol has struggled to find the back of the net, with an average of just 0.40 goals scored per game. They have managed only one clean sheet in their last five matches, which shows their defensive vulnerabilities.

Their next match is crucial as they seek to fend off relegation fears and gather some much-needed momentum.

Espanyol Key Players

Espanyol’s fortunes could hinge significantly on the performance of their top scorer, Javier Puado, who has netted six goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial as they strive to escape the relegation zone. A key individual battle to watch will be between Javi Puado and Real Valladolid’s centre-back Javi Sánchez. Puado’s attacking prowess against a struggling Valladolid defense, which has suffered 12 losses this season, could be the difference-maker.

Expect the following lineup for Espanyol:

• Goalkeeper: Joan García
• Defenders: Omar El Hilali, Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Brian Oliván
• Midfielders: Antoniu Roca, Pol Lozano, Alex Kral, Álvaro Tejero
• Attackers: Jofre Carreras, Javi Puado

Espanyol Suspensions & Injuries

Espanyol will be somewhat hindered by injuries to key players. José Gragera, Naci Ünüvar, Carlos Romero, and Pol Lozano are all dealing with physical discomfort and are doubtful for this match.
Here is the current injury list:

These absences might affect Espanyol’s depth in the midfield and their overall balance. Coach Manolo González will need to manage his squad effectively to mitigate the impact of these injuries.

Espanyol Tactics and Formation

Espanyol Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Expected Lineup: Joan García (GK); Omar El Hilali, Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Brian Oliván (Defenders); Antoniu Roca, Pol Lozano, Alex Kral, Álvaro Tejero Sacristán (Midfielders); Jofre Carreras, Javi Puado (Forwards)
• Key Forward: Javi Puado
• Midfield Trio: Pol Lozano, Alex Kral, Álvaro Tejero
• Defensive Strength:
  One clean sheet in the last five games offers some promise despite the overall struggle this season.
• Notable Strategy:
  Emphasis on quick transitions from defense to attack to utilize Puado’s goal-scoring abilities.
  Given Espanyol’s recent struggles, Coach Manolo González will likely focus on tightening the midfield and maximizing defensive solidity while hoping to capitalize on Puado’s scoring form.

Real Valladolid Team Analysis

Real Valladolid Recent Performance

Real Valladolid’s recent form has been quite inconsistent, with their last five matches showcasing a mix of highs and lows:

• Recent Form: WLLWL
• Average Goals Scored: 1.00 goals in the last five games
• Clean Sheets: Two clean sheets in the last five matches

  Despite the two clean sheets, their overall inconsistency has left them second-bottom in the La Liga table. Coach Diego Cocca will need to rectify these issues swiftly to avoid deeper troubles.

Real Valladolid Key Players

Expected lineup for Real Valladolid:

• Goalkeeper: Karl Hein
• Defenders: Luis Pérez, Abdulay Bah, Javi Sánchez, Lucas Rosa
• Midfielders: Kike Pérez, Stanko Juric, Mario Martin, Anuar
• Attackers: Marcos Andre, Raúl Moro

Real Valladolid’s attack will heavily rely on Raúl Moro, their top scorer with 3 goals, alongside Marcos Andre, who looks promising in the striker role. In midfield, Kike Pérez and Stanko Juric are expected to control the pace and tempo, while Luis Pérez will be key in defense, facing off against Espanyol’s forward line. The individual battles, particularly Raúl Moro versus Espanyol’s center-back duo of Marash Kumbulla and Leandro Cabrera, could be crucial.

Real Valladolid Suspensions & Injuries

Real Valladolid are dealing with a few key injuries that could have a significant impact on their performance against Espanyol. Particularly, the impact of these injuries can be felt in both defense and attack.

The absence of Eray Cömert and Raúl Moro is especially concerning, as Cömert is a key defensive anchor and Moro is their top scorer. Karl Hein‘s potential unavailability might also leave them vulnerable at the back. As a result, Valladolid will have to rely on their squad depth to navigate these challenges.

Real Valladolid Tactics and Formation

Real Valladolid’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
  Diego Cocca’s side will likely set up in a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on a balanced approach between attacking and defending.
• Key Forward: Marcos Andre
  With top scorer Raul Moro sidelined, Marcos Andre will be the focal point of the attack. His role will be crucial in breaking down the Espanyol defense.
• Midfield Trio: Kike Perez, Stanko Juric, Mario Martin
  The midfield trio will play a significant role in maintaining possession and creating chances. Kike Perez’s vision combined with Juric’s physicality and Mario Martin’s creativity forms a well-rounded midfield unit.
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
  Defensively, Real Valladolid have shown some resilience with two clean sheets in their recent outings. They will rely on this defensive solidity to frustrate Espanyol’s attackers.
• Notable Strategy: Strong attack during the 61-75 minute interval
  Valladolid have been most effective during the 61-75 minute period, where they tend to create the majority of their scoring opportunities. Expect them to ramp up their attacking efforts in this part of the game.

Espanyol vs Real Valladolid Head-to-Head Statistics

Espanyol and Real Valladolid have faced each other multiple times in recent seasons. Here’s a look at their last five meetings:

Espanyol have the upper hand in these encounters, winning two out of five matches. The last meeting, held in August 2024, saw Real Valladolid secure a narrow 1-0 victory at home.

Both teams are struggling this season, making this match crucial for their fight against relegation.

Odds accurate as of 14/01/2025 20:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.