Deportivo Alaves vs Espanyol
Spanish La Liga 2016/17
Date: Sunday, 20th November 2016,
Kick-Off at 11:00 UK
Venue: Estadio Mendizorrotza, Vitoria-Gasteiz.
This game doesn’t exactly have the makings of a classic. 3 of Espanyol’s last 5 games have finished 0-0 while there have already been 2 scoreless draws at the Estadio de Mendizorroza this season in La Liga.
A lot could depend on the visitors but it seems likely that Quique Sánchez Flores will continue with what has been a relatively cautious approach in recent weeks, but one that has been delivering results. They’ve gone full circle since that opening day 6-4 thriller at Sevilla. The former Watford boss has instilled much more defensive organisation in his side and they come into this one unbeaten in 5 games, although 4 of those were drawn. There have been under 2.5 goals in 64% of their matches this term while 4 of their last 5 fixtures have produced 1 or fewer goals.
Alaves have struggled to break sides down that have put numbers behind the ball. They’ve almost had more joy against the better teams that come at them so they may find it tough to create chances in this one. 60% of their home games have had under 2.5 goals and the only two that have had more were against Real Madrid and Paco Jemez’s Granada, both of whom played a naturally open attacking game.
These two sides are right next to each other in the table and there isn’t much to choose between the sides in truth. Neither team is packed with attacking quality but they have enough about them to suggest they will accumulate enough points to beat the drop. With a few sides at the bottom looking really poor, a draw and another point on the board wouldn’t be a disaster for either side here and it has the potential to develop into a really cagey, tight game so backing Under 2 Goal Line at 21/20 looks to offer value here.
Deportivo Alaves vs Espanyol: Head to Head Statistics
There are not much difference between the two teams in their previous 14 meetings. Alaves have won 5 games against Espanyol, drawn 5 games and lost 4 games to Espanyol. Also, Alaves have won most of their games at home soil, they have won 3 games at home against Espanyol and lost just once. Espanyol have dominated their last 5 meetings with 3 wins and 2 draws.
Deportivo Alaves vs Espanyol: Prediction
Espanyol’s games in recent weeks have been better compared to their host, they seem to be back on track. They have won 2 of their last 3 games and drawn one which includes their 0-1 win over Barcelona. Also they have been good defensively in recent weeks, they have kept clean sheets in in 5 of their last 6 games.
We expect Espanyol to continue their unbeaten form in the league and also their dominance over Alaves. A win is most likely to occur for Espanyol but we are expecting few goal in the game.
Deportivo Alaves vs Espanyol: Betting Tips
Espanyol to win – draw no bet at 11/10 (2.10).
