Both sides desperately needed the international break after registering back to back defeats in the second half of September. I am predicting a close encounter to end without a winner on Friday.
Key Stats
- Malaga have drawn 3 of their last 6 matches.
- Espanyol are winless in 5 of their last 6 matches.
36 Previous H2H Meetings
Espanyol have a 17-13 advantage against Malaga in terms of h2h victories, 6 clashes ending without a winner.
Malaga Sitting Bottom of the Table
Malaga earned promotion to the top flight last season but will have a lot of problems keeping staying among the elite judging by early days, grabbing just three points in seven rounds.
Their efficiency has been disastrous, scoring just three goals. A majority of their points were earned in early September, registering back to back draws against Levante 0-0 and Celta Vigo 1-1.
Next was a 3-1 home defeat against Villarreal having just one shot on target, while the final appearance before the international break was a 1-0 loss to Getafe, failing to create a single goal chance.
Espanyol Hit a Rough Patch in Late September
Espanyol have been underperforming in the new La Liga campaign, accumulating just seven points in seven matches and currently sit in 15th place just above the red line.
Their results were solid in the first half of September, grabbing a point against Sevilla 1-1, followed by a 2-0 road victory against Osasuna in Pamplona with Roberto Fernandez netting a brace.
Manolo Gonzalez's side hit a rough patch after that, registering back to back defeats against Rayo Vallecano 2-1 and Elche 3-1 (had one-man advantage for more than 80 minutes and still lost convincingly).
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Malaga (4-1-4-1) Alfonso Herrero; Rafael Garrido, Angel Recio, Juan Berrocal, Jose Salinas; Rafael Rodriguez; David Larrubia, Carlos Dotor, Dani Lorenzo, Carlos Ruiz; Eneko Jauregi
Malaga have to manage several physical injuries across their squad, as Fernando Calero, Julen Lobete, Diego Murillo, and Aaron Ochoa remain unavailable for selection. Furthermore, young defender Adam Aznou continues to be a major doubt.
Malaga have to manage several physical injuries across their squad, as Fernando Calero, Julen Lobete, Diego Murillo, and Aaron Ochoa remain unavailable for selection. Furthermore, young defender Adam Aznou continues to be a major doubt.
Espanyol (4-2-3-1) Marko Dmitrovic; Omar El Hilali, Unai Nunez, Leandro Cabrera, Roger Hinojo; Edu Exposito, Urko Gonzalez; Alex Calatrava, Javier Hernandez, Bryan Zaragoza; Roberto Fernandez
Right-back Omar El Hilali returns from suspension, while the visitors will have to cope without injured Javi Puado and Kike Garcia
Right-back Omar El Hilali returns from suspension, while the visitors will have to cope without injured Javi Puado and Kike Garcia