Espanyol-Sevilla Statistical Preview

ES stats 1

Team News

Espanyol

David Lopez will finally serve the suspension he picked up prior to last weekend.
His absence will see Alex Fernandez come alongside Victor Sanchez as a midfield anchor.
Diego Colotto could be chosen at centre-half though coach Javier Aguirre may opt for Sidnei again.

Sevilla

Unai Emery is expected to make a few changes in personnel which will see him revert to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.
Stephane Mbia will finally serve his suspension earned in Round 11 and this will see Vicente Iborra replace him in midfield.
Kevin Gameiro, who started against Celta Vigo last weekend, is likely to be sacrificed with Carlos Bacca tipped to get the lead striking role.
German veteran Piotr Trochowski returned to action last weekend after an injury lay-off and he will again start on the bench.
Fernando Navarro will be dropped for a second game running after the partnership of Carrico and Nicolas Pareja helped Emery’s team record a rare clean sheet.

Match Facts

Sevilla have failed to win their last 22 away matches in La Liga.
Espanyol have failed to score in their last 3 matches in La Liga.
Espanyol have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 4 matches against Sevilla in all competitions.
Sevilla are undefeated in their last 8 matches against Espanyol in all competitions.
Sevilla have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 matches against Espanyol in all competitions.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Espanyol’s last 3 home games in La Liga.

Prediction

Two sides who are much more capable than their respective league positions suggest, Espanyol and Sevilla have yet to find any consistency with their results and performances.
Javier Aguirre’s side have proven a tough team to beat at home this season and they have picked up some great results at the Cornella-El Prat, most notably their 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.
Alternatively, Unai Emery’s men are still without a win on the road and despite the task ahead of them only three points will suffice for them in order to avoid dropping any closer to the relegation zone.

Espanyol 2 - 0 Sevilla