Real Valladolid vs Espanyol 27/10/18

27 October 2018

Real Valladolid prepare for a face-to-face meeting with Espanyol at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla, hoping to extend an impressive 4-game La Liga winning streak.

La Liga returnees have started the new campaign off on the wrong foot, having failed to wrap up a victory in the opening five fixtures. However, the Pucelanos have notably raised their game over the past four weeks, defeating both Villarreal and Real Betis on the road, as well as, Levante and Huesca at home, only allowing one goal in the process. Moreover, Sergio Gonzalez’s side managed to keep a clean sheet in the previous three encounters, and with just six goals conceded, they have the second-best defensive record in the league behind Atletico Madrid. But, the White and Violets’ principal problem is their performance in the final third, as they’ve only bagged eight goals in nine La Liga fixtures, which makes them fourth-worst attacking team.

On the other hand, the Catalans are going through a glorious period, as they currently occupy the second place on the table behind city rivals Barcelona. After a narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, the Periquitos have moved up a gear, and clinched three wins in the next four La Liga matches, defeating Eibar, Villarreal, and Huesca in the process. However, prior to a narrow triumph over the debutants from Aragon, the White and Blues have lost two road matches and being held to a pair of draws, which is why they stand as one of the weakest away sides in Spanish top flight.

Duje Cop, Keko, Luismi, Joaquin Moreno, Oscar Plano, Mohammed Salisu, and Antonio Cotan are doubts in the home squad, as all are struggling with injuries. Meanwhile, according to the latest reports, Rubi will have all of his players fit and ready for the encounter.