Deportivo Alaves vs. Espanyol Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 22 February 2025 - bettingexpert

This LaLiga clash sees Estadio Mendizorroza host a crucial encounter between Deportivo Alaves and Espanyol. Despite sitting in 19th place, Alaves are the bookmakers’ favorites with odds of 1.82. Espanyol, just two points above them in 15th, will be eager to widen the gap in this relegation battle.

Referee Juan Luis Pulido will oversee the match, adding his experienced touch to what promises to be a tightly contested fixture. Both teams have struggled for form in recent games, with Alaves winless in their last four and Espanyol earning just one point in their last two outings.

Alaves’ top scorer Kike Garcia, with 10 goals this season, will be crucial. Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, a goalkeeper on Pep Guardiola’s radar, adds intrigue to the visitors’ lineup.

Given their positions and recent performances, our match prediction leans towards a very close game, potentially ending in a goalless draw, making the bet for under 0.5 goals at odds of 8 worth considering.

Deportivo Alaves vs Espanyol Prediction & Betting Tip

For this LaLiga matchup between Deportivo Alaves and Espanyol, our recommended betting tip is "Under 0.5 Goals." This bet is influenced by both teams’ recent performances and their current standings, making a goalless draw the most plausible outcome.

Deportivo Alaves vs Espanyol Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Under 0.5 Goals	8.00

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Why this prediction is a good bet:

1. Both teams are struggling to find consistent scoring form, evident from their positions near the bottom of the table.
2. Deportivo Alaves have conceded an average of 1.5 goals per match this season, and Espanyol have only managed one clean sheet in their last five games.
3. With both teams averaging close to three yellow cards per game, expect a cautious and low-scoring affair. Whenever possible, keep an eye on team news closer to game time to ensure no last-minute changes impact your bet.

Deportivo Alavés vs Espanyol Match Preview

As we gear up for this LaLiga clash between Deportivo Alavés and Espanyol, there’s a lot to consider for fans and bettors alike. The match holds particular significance as both clubs are not only battling for points but also looking to establish some form of consistency and momentum. Let’s dive into the details and see what to expect from this encounter.

Team Overview

Deportivo Alavés

Deportivo Alavés have had an up-and-down season so far and find themselves in the lower half of the table. Their defensive line has been porous, conceding an average of 1.5 goals per match. However, their home form offers a glimmer of hope, often putting up a tighter defense when playing at Mendizorrotza Stadium.

Espanyol

Espanyol, on the other hand, are not faring much better. They have struggled to keep clean sheets and have only managed one shutout in their last five outings. Offensively, they are inconsistent, with sporadic performances from their forwards making it difficult to rely on them for scoring.

Key Players to Watch

• Luis Rioja (Deportivo Alavés): An influential winger who has a knack for creating chances, he will be a key player to watch.
• Raúl de Tomás (Espanyol): The forward has been Espanyol’s most reliable source of goals. If Espanyol are to break down Alavés, his role will be crucial.

Venue: Mendizorrotza Stadium

Known for its passionate crowd, Mendizorrotza Stadium can be quite the fortress for Deportivo Alavés. The home support can often lift the team’s performance, making it a tricky venue for any visiting side.

Match Prediction and Betting Tip

For this LaLiga matchup between Deportivo Alavés and Espanyol, our recommended betting tip is "Under 0.5 Goals." Let’s break down why this low-scoring bet makes sense:

Deportivo Alavés vs Espanyol Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Under 0.5 Goals	8.00

Why This Prediction is a Good Bet:

1. Struggling for Goals: Both teams have lately found it hard to get on the scoresheet. Their lack of finishing touch could very likely result in a goalless draw.
2. Defensive Woes: Deportivo Alavés, despite their defensive issues, tend to be more resolute at home. Espanyol, meanwhile, have their own defensive frailties but might focus on securing a point away from home.
3. Disciplinary Issues: With both teams averaging close to three yellow cards per game, expect a cautious and potentially scrappy affair, limiting clear scoring opportunities.

This is the kind of match where either side could really use a win to climb up the standings, but the likelihood of a low-scoring game is high, given their current form and recent performances.

As always, keep an eye on team news closer to game time to ensure no last-minute changes impact your bet. Enjoy the match!

Deportivo Alaves Team Analysis

Deportivo Alaves Recent Performance

Home team	Away team	Result
Leganes	Deportivo Alaves	3-3 (Draw)
Deportivo Alaves	Getafe	0-1 (Loss)
Barcelona	Deportivo Alaves	1-0 (Loss)
Deportivo Alaves	Celta Vigo	1-1 (Draw)
Real Betis	Deportivo Alaves	1-3 (Win)

Deportivo Alaves’ recent form has been a mixed bag, with one win, two draws, and two losses. They’ve struggled defensively with no clean sheets in their last five matches and have conceded an average of 1.5 goals per game this season. Offensively, they’ve fared slightly better, managing an average of 1.4 goals per game, thanks largely to Kike Garcia, their top scorer with 10 goals. While they managed a 3-3 draw against Leganes, their narrow losses to Getafe and Barcelona underscore their inconsistency.
With a home game at the Estadio Mendizorroza, Alaves will hope to overcome their recent defensive issues and capture crucial points.

Deportivo Alaves Key Players

Kike Garcia remains the standout performer for Deportivo Alaves, having netted 10 goals this season. His form will be crucial as Alaves seek a vital win to escape the relegation zone. In midfield, Jon Guridi and Carles Aleña are key to maintaining possession and delivering crosses. Their battle against Espanyol’s robust midfield duo, Alex Král and Pol Lozano, will be one to watch.
Defensively, Abdelkabir Abqar and Moussa Diarra need to tighten up, given their recent lack of clean sheets. They’ll face a tough challenge against Espanyol’s forward Roberto Fernandez.

Expected lineup for Deportivo Alaves:

• Goalkeeper: Antonio Sivera
• Defenders: Nahuel Tenaglia, Abdel Abqar, Moussa Diarra, Manu Sanchez
• Midfielders: Antonio Blanco, Ander Guevara, Carlos Vicente, Jon Guridi, Carles Aleña
• Forward: Kike Garcia

Deportivo Alaves Suspensions & Injuries

Deportivo Alaves have a few notable injury concerns that could impact their performance against Espanyol.

Player	Injury	Expected return
Tomás Conechny	Skull fracture	Late April 2025
Jesús Owono	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Hugo Novoa	Muscle injury	Doubtful

The absence of Tomás Conechny and the uncertain statuses of Jesús Owono and Hugo Novoa will likely force Eduardo Coudet to rely on less experienced players. This could affect the team’s depth and stability, especially in key positions.
Expectations will be high on other players to step up and fill the gaps left by these injuries.

Deportivo Alavés Tactics and Formation

Deportivo Alavés Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Kike Garcia
• Midfield Trio: Antonio Blanco, Ander Guevara, Jon Guridi
• Defensive Setup: Back four led by Nahuel Tenaglia and Manu Sánchez

Eduardo Coudet is likely to stick with a 4-2-3-1 setup to solidify both defensive and offensive transitions. Kike Garcia, the team’s top scorer with 10 goals, will spearhead the attack.

In midfield, Antonio Blanco and Ander Guevara will serve as the double pivot, offering protection to the defense and facilitating quick ball recovery. Jon Guridi, in the attacking midfielder role, will look to make crucial passes and support the forward line.

Notable Strategy:

• Prioritize defensive solidity to address their recent lack of clean sheets.
• Utilize the flanks with Carlos Vicente and Carles Aleñá to stretch Espanyol’s defense.

The tactical focus will be on maintaining a balanced approach, aiming to exploit Espanyol’s vulnerabilities while ensuring the backline remains compact.

Espanyol Team Analysis

Espanyol Recent Performance DLWDW

Assessing Espanyol’s recent performance, they have shown decent form, managing two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches. Espanyol’s attacking front has averaged 1.20 goals per game, while their defense managed one clean sheet during this period.

Home team	Away team	Result
Espanyol	Athletic Club	1-1 (Draw)
Real Sociedad	Espanyol	2-1 (Loss)
Espanyol	Real Madrid	1-0 (Win)
Sevilla	Espanyol	1-1 (Draw)
Espanyol	Real Valladolid	2-1 (Win)

Espanyol has shown resilience with crucial points against tough opponents like Real Madrid and Athletic Club. Their ability to score in six consecutive matches indicates a strong offensive presence, although defensive solidity remains an area for improvement.

Espanyol Key Players

Espanyol’s lineup features several key players who could be crucial in their upcoming match against Deportivo Alaves. The team’s top scorer, Javier Puado, has bagged 8 goals this season and will be a focal point in their attack.

Expected lineup for Espanyol:

• Goalkeeper: Joan García
• Defenders: Omar El Hilali, Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero
• Midfielders: Jofre Carreras, Urko González de Zárate, Alex Kral, Pere Milla
• Forwards: Eduardo Expósito, Roberto Fernández Jaén

Look out for individual battles, such as Puado versus Deportivo Alaves’ Moussa Diarra, which could be decisive. The midfield duo of Alex Kral and Urko González de Zárate will also play a pivotal role in controlling the tempo. Their attacking flair and defensive responsibilities will be critical in this closely contested LaLiga fixture.

Espanyol Suspensions & Injuries

Espanyol enters the match with a few players facing injury concerns, which could impact their performance. Here’s a detailed look at their current injury list:

Player	Injury	Expected return
José Gragera	Broken finger	Doubtful
Fernando Pacheco	Thigh injury	Early March 2025

Currently, there are no suspensions for Espanyol heading into this fixture.
The absence of Fernando Pacheco, an experienced goalkeeper, might put additional pressure on Joan García, who will need to step up between the posts. José Gragera’s broken finger also means adjustments in midfield, potentially affecting Espanyol’s control and distribution in the center of the park. Manolo González will need to deploy tactical changes to mitigate these losses and maintain balance in the squad.

Espanyol Tactics and Formation

Espanyol’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forwards: Roberto Fernández and Eduardo Expósito
• Midfield Quartet: Jofre Carreras, Urko González de Zárate, Alex Kral, Pere Milla
• Defensive Line: Omar El Hilali, Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero
• Goalkeeper: Joan García

Espanyol often operates with a balanced 4-4-2 formation, aiming for a solid defensive base while exploiting wing play.

Key Strategies:

• Counter-Attacks: Quick transitions from defense to offense.
• Set Pieces: Utilizing the height and aerial ability of their central defenders, Kumbulla and Cabrera.
• Wing Play: Jofre Carreras and Pere Milla providing width and crossing opportunities.

Despite having just one clean sheet in their last five games, Espanyol relies on a compact defensive formation to control the midfield and create scoring chances. Manolo González is expected to focus on exploiting spaces behind Deportivo Alavés’ full-backs.

Deportivo Alaves vs Espanyol Head-to-Head Statistics

Home	Away	Result
Espanyol	Deportivo Alaves	3-2
Deportivo Alaves	Espanyol	2-1
Espanyol	Deportivo Alaves	1-0
Espanyol	Deportivo Alaves	2-0
Deportivo Alaves	Espanyol	0-0

In their previous five encounters, Espanyol has had the upper hand with three wins, whereas Deportivo Alaves secured one victory and one draw.
Their recent clash in September 2024 saw Espanyol edging a 3-2 win, showcasing the potential for another close contest.

Odds accurate as of 20.02.2025 13:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.