After the World Cup, La Liga re-started as the teams are now willing to compete in the 16th round of the competition. In the first game of the new year, Espanyol, standing in the 16th position will face Girona at the RCDE Stadium.
Bookmaker Ratings: Prediction One – Espanyol double chance – 1.38.
Bookmaker Ratings: Prediction Two – Both teams to score – Yes – 1.8.
Bookmaker Ratings: Prediction Three -Total Goals Over 1.5 – 1.31
Match Predict – Espanyol Double Chance
A Catalan derby is a special event for Espanyol as they faced Barcelona and grabbed a valuable point from Camp Nou. with their motivation, we expect them not to lose against Girona in their upcoming league fixture.
Both teams to score – Yes
Considering the statistics and the meetings both teams had previously in all Spanish competitions, out of the total 6 matches, 3 of the games have ended up with both teams scoring in the game as we expect the scenario to be repeated.
Total Goals Over 1.5
Numbers and statistics are the most important tools for predictive analysis. As mentioned above, in the previous 6 games, 67% of the games have ended up with at least 2 goals in the game(4/6). We are certain to watch at least two goals in the game.
Espanyol:
Before the World Cup break, Espanyol failed to grab a single in their last five La Liga matches as the latest came against Real Valladolid in November. Getting slightly out of the relegation zone after grabbing a very vital point against Barcelona which also helped Real Madrid, Espanyol currently stands at the 16th position, only one degree above the hot zone. Their next game is against Girona who stands above them but a crucial point will help them in their survival mode.
Girona:
On the other hand, Girona, finished their last year with a super performance as they are now unbeaten in their last 5 La Liga games with their consecutive wins against Bilbao and Elche after grabbing a draw result against Real Madrid at Santiago. Girona currently stands in 12th position away from the relegation zone. In 15 games, Girona has scored a total of 22 goals and conceded 24. We expect a very balanced and defensive La Liga game as Girona will want to continue their unbeaten run.
Safe Bets
Considering the statistics of both teams and La Liga, in 15 games played, Espanyol has averaged a total of 4.33 corners per game while Girona has an average of also 4.47 as we expect a total corner of at least 8 in the game.
Get Rich Quick
After a difficult battle for ninety minutes, we might witness a draw result with both teams taking the valuable point and changing their position in the table with odds of 3.4 from 22Bet.
Espanyol’s squad will miss Pedrosa with a Hernia, Bare with a ligament injury, and Gomez and de Costa with suspensions. While Girona will miss Kebe with a knee injury, Hernandez with a thigh injury, Juanpe with a heel injury, and Romeu with suspension.
Starting Lineups
In our opinion, the teams will take to the field with the following line-ups:
Espanyol: Goalkeeper – Fernandez; Defenders: Gil, Gomez, Cabrera, Olivan; Midfielders: Calero, Exposito, Ribaudo, Darder, Braithwaite; Forwards – Joselu.
Girona: Goalkeeper – Gazzanaiga; Defenders – Martinez, Bueno, Lopez, Gutierrez; Midfielders; Villa, Garcia, Couto, Martin, Riquelme; Forwards – Castellanos.
This match will be played at RCDE Stadium (Cornella de Llobregat)
This starting whistle will sound on January 8th, 2023. 18:00 UTC.
More to follow