Deportivo AlavesvsEspanyol Barcelona

Match Preview: Deportivo Alaves vs Espanyol Barcelona

Current Form and Context

Deportivo Alaves and Espanyol Barcelona are set to clash in a match that promises to be a battle of resilience and tactical adjustments. Both teams find themselves in precarious positions in La Liga, with Alaves sitting in 18th place and Espanyol just above them. Alaves recently suffered a 1-3 defeat against Real Betis, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities, especially with the absence of their key goalkeeper Antonio Sivera due to injury. Espanyol, on the other hand, comes into this match with a slight boost from their recent 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid, yet their away form remains a concern as they haven't won any of their last seven away matches.

Head-to-Head Insights

Historically, matches between these two sides have been closely contested. When playing at home, Alaves has a slight edge, having won six of the last twelve encounters against Espanyol. However, Espanyol has shown their mettle in recent meetings, winning three of the last five clashes. The most common result when Alaves hosts Espanyol is a 2-1 victory for the home side, a scoreline that has occurred four times. Despite this, Espanyol's recent form and ability to score in their last five matches suggest they will pose a significant threat.

Tactical Analysis and Key Players

Alaves will be looking to integrate their returning defender Garces, who could provide much-needed stability at the back. However, the absence of Sivera in goal is a significant blow, with Jesus Owono stepping in to fill the void. Alaves' top scorer, Kike Garcia, will be crucial in their attacking efforts, supported by Carlos Vicente's playmaking abilities. Espanyol, meanwhile, will rely on the attacking prowess of Javi Puado and the creative contributions of Jofre Carreras. Espanyol's ability to score 27% of their goals between the 46th and 60th minute could be pivotal, especially considering Alaves' tendency to concede.

Prediction and Conclusion

Given the current form and historical context, this match is likely to end in a draw, with both teams finding the back of the net. Alaves' home advantage and Espanyol's recent scoring streak suggest a closely fought encounter. The absence of Sivera could expose Alaves defensively, while Espanyol's struggles away from home balance the scales. Expect a competitive match with a final scoreline around 1-1, as both teams aim to climb out of the relegation zone.