Leganes and Espanyol go head-to-head in La Liga this weekend, with both sides looking to return to winning ways after indifferent starts to the new year. Just a single point separates the duo in the standings, meaning that it comes as little surprise that many are predicting a close encounter at the Estadio Muncicipal de Butarque on Sunday morning.
Spanish La Liga – Leganes v Espanyol – Estadio Municipal de Butarque, Madrid – Sunday 28th January – 11:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 19/10 at Coral |
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Leganes
EspanyolMatch Preview
Leganes face off against Espanyol in a crucial La Liga fixture on Sunday, with both teams looking to further distance themselves from the relegation zone in the standings. Neither side have won in their last two outings in the Spanish top-flight, meaning that the encounter only grows in importance. With managers Asier Garitano and Quique Sánchez Flores are under increasing pressure ahead of kick-off, with the duo both expected to earn a positive result this weekend. For those still unsure of who to back with the bookmakers later this week, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, as well as some predictions ahead of kick-off.
Leganes Team News & Form
Leganes come into their clash with Espanyol off the back of an entertaining 2-2 away draw with Alaves, a result which leaves them 13 in the standings. The hosts have won just one of their last five La Liga matches, with their struggles in front of goal having restricted their progress throughout the campaign. Former Liverpool man Nail El Zhar could well line up for the home side, alongside the likes of Nordin Amrabat and Captain Martin Montovani. Leganes have won seven and lost eight matches in La Liga so far this season.
Espanyol Team News & Form
Having turned down the opportunity to move to Stoke City in the Premier League, manager Quique Sanchez Flores will be hoping to make his mark at Espanyol in the second half of the campaign, starting away at Leganes. Espanyol were comfortably defeated 3-0 at home to Sevilla last time around, meaning that they have still won just six times all season. The visitors have scored just 16 goals in La Liga to date, the second-worst record in the entire division. The likes of defender Naldo, veteran striker Sergio Garcia and former Spanish international Jose Manuel Jurado are among the most recognisable players for the away side, with the trio expected to use their significant experience to help earn their side a positive result.
Head to Head
The two teams have met just three times in the past, with Espanyol having won on two occasions, as well as suffering one defeat. However, Leganes won the last time the two teams met back in August last year, running out narrow 1-0 victors.
Leganes v Espanyol – Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their status as the home team this weekend, it comes as little surprise that Leganes are the favourites for victory with the majority of major online bookmakers. The home side are available at best odds of 23/17 with Ladbrokes, while those looking to back a surprise win for Espanyol can get a price of 12/5 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip Leganes v Espanyol
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams scoring during the 90 minutes between Leganes and Espanyol, which is available at odds of 6/5 with Ladbrokes.