Sevilla – Espanyol
Our Sevilla – Espanyol prediction is: Both teams to score? No – 1.65 odds
- Espanyol rarely pose a goal-scoring threat against superior teams
- Sevilla play at home
- Last encounter ended 2-0 to Sevilla
The Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán will host an interesting clash between two teams in very different positions on Saturday night. Sevilla, currently in 11th place, will host Espanyol Barcelona, who are in danger of relegation and are in 18th place. Interestingly, both teams were able to secure important victories last weekend – Sevilla beat Girona 2-1 away from home, while Espanyol also won 2-1 at home against Valladolid.
The home team, under Garcia Pimienta, are on an upward trend, even if they lack consistency. With 26 points, they are level on points with Osasuna and just one point ahead of Real Betis. Espanyol, on the other hand, are in deep relegation trouble under Manolo González – they are only one point behind the first non-relegation place, but the Catalans have a particularly hard time in the second half, as the statistics of the last few games show. It will be interesting to see whether the recent success against Valladolid marks the hoped-for turning point.
Sevilla – Espanyol Infos
- Stadium: Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
- Date and Time: 25.01.2025, 18:30
- Competition: La Liga
- Broadcast: DAZN
Sevilla Form & Record Check
Sevilla are currently in a rather changeable state, which is particularly reflected in their recent 2-1 away win against the strong Girona. This surprising success against the league leaders could give the team a new lease of life after they were crushed 4-1 by Almeria in the cup.
The Andalusians’ goal scoring is particularly interesting: in the last five games, the team has scored in every game, but mostly only in the second half. With 26 points and 11th place in the table, Sevilla are in a safe mid-table position, level on points with Osasuna and just one point ahead of Real Betis. You might think that a six-time Europa League winner would have more to offer.
Defensive worries
What is currently causing concern is defensive stability. In four of the last five games, they have conceded goals, against Real Madrid even four. At least, the offense with players like Lukébakio, who scored against Girona last time out, shows that they are capable of making a difference. It remains to be seen whether the team can continue to build on this positive trend in attack while stabilizing the defense.
Sevilla facts & analysis
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- Table position: 11th place
- Balance last 5 games: Two wins, one draw, one defeat
- Last 1:2 won against Girona
Sevilla’s proposed formation will be in the popular 4-2-3-1 system under the leadership of coach García Pimienta. At the heart of the lineup is goalkeeper Nyland, backed by the defense of Carmona, Badé, Gudelj, and Pedrosa. Sambi Lokonga and Sow represent the defensive midfield, while Saúl takes the central role in the midfield. Lukébakio and Vargas are the attacking wingers, with Isaac Romero as the main striker. The strategy strikes a solid balance between defense and offense.
Espanyol form & record check
Espanyol are showing the first signs of stabilization after a difficult season, underlined by their recent 2-1 win over Valladolid. Particularly noteworthy is the new defensive stability – Manolo González’s team have conceded only four goals in their last five games. However, this compactness is not yet reflected in the table situation, where they still remain in 18th place with 19 points.
The offense remains the problem child of the Catalans. In the last few games, goal-less encounters have dominated – 80% of the games ended with less than 2.5 goals. Interestingly, this pattern is particularly evident in the second halves of matches, where Espanyol have not been able to win a single game in recent weeks. They are only one point behind Alaves in the relegation battle, but it is debatable whether their defensive approach will be enough to save them from relegation.
Espanyol need more goals
The integration of young talents like Antoniu Roca gives hope for fresh impetus. The youngster has already shown promising signs and could give the team the necessary momentum. However, with three draws in their last five games, it is clear that Espanyol urgently need more firepower in attack to successfully avoid relegation.
Espanyol facts & analysis
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- Position: 18th
- Last 5 matches: 1 win, 3 draws, 1 loss
- Last 2-1 win vs. Valladolid
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Fresh from a crucial victory over Valladolid, Espanyol could stick with the same successful lineup, with coach Manolo González possibly reverting to a 4-4-2 system. Joan García will be in goal, while El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera and Brian Oliván will make up the defense. Puaido, Gragera, Kral and Pol Lozano are expected to start in midfield. Véliz and Cheddira could start in attack.
Sevilla – Espanyol head to head & stats
