Espanyol vs Mallorca prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2024-10-04 12:00.
[p]It’s been a rough start to life back in the top-flight for Espanyol, who currently sit just one point better off than at the same stage of their previous relegation campaign after three straight league defeats. A visit from Mallorca could come at the right time, as they are one of only three sides that Espanyol picked up at least four points against in their previous La Liga campaign (W1, D1). [/p]
[p]Despite their woeful start, a home return should provide a much-needed boost for the Parakeets after picking up six of their paltry seven-point haul here (W2, L2). Â Those two victories were far from straightforward though with Espanyol conceding before half-time in both, and with just one clean sheet to their name so far this term, this clash promises goals at both ends.[/p]
[p]In contrast to their hosts, Mallorca travel here on the back of three straight league wins which have secured an impressive 14-point haul after eight games (W4, D2, L2), making this their strongest top-flight start in over a decade. Maintaining such a pace is by no means guaranteed based on Mallorca’s recent history, finishing within three places of the drop zone in two of the previous three campaigns. [/p]
[p]Visiting boss Jagoba Arrasate will hope to make his side’s slender pre-match tag as favourites pay by building on a solid personal H2H record against their Catalonian hosts (W6, D3, L1). That record is complemented by the Pirates’ current three-game winning run of La Liga away games, and one more road victory would represent their joint best streak since a five-game run way back in 2004![/p]
[p]Players to watch: With Javi Puado injured, Irvin Cardona may get a chance to start for Espanyol – the forward is yet to score since arriving from French side St Etienne this summer but his last three club goals were all decisive in victory. Another man pushing for a start is Mallorca’s regular impact sub Valery Fernández. He only played 15 minutes in the last two games, but managed to score matchwinners in both! [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Espanyol have kept just two clean sheets across their last 14 La Liga home games (W4, D4, L6). [/p]
[p][i]Written by Matthew Billon[/i][/p]