Espanyol vs Real Madrid preview

May 10, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Real vs EspanyolEspanyol’s European hopes suffered a major blow at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, meaning los Periquitos have no choice but to try and beat Real Madrid at their Cornella El Prat.

Los Blancos produced an excellent attacking performance to hammer Malaga at home, and they now aim to keep the rich vein of form.

Considering Espanyol had spent big part of the league campaign in the relegation zone, everybody at the club should be more than happy with the current league position.

The arrival of Javier Aguirre changed everything for los Periquitos, as the Mexican took them from the bottom three to the brink of Europa League places.

Back to back defeats to Granada and Sevilla, however, left Espanyol six points clear of European positions, but it seems they are not giving up just yet.

The hosts aim to prove their worth against one of Europe’s top sides, and Ladbrokes has them at 1.45 (9/20) to score at least one goal.

Cristian Alvarez continues to miss out with a torn hamstring, but Simao Sabrosa and Felipe Mationi are nearing their return.

It is important to note that Espanyol held Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw at Santiago Bernabeu in a reverse fixture earlier this season.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casilla – Javi Lopez, Colotto, Moreno, Capdevila – Victor Sanchez, Forlin – Stuani, Verdu, Mubarak – Sergio Garcia.

This season is turning into a major disappointment for Real Madrid and it looks as though an end of an era is just around the corner.

Outgoing manager Jose Mourinho seems to have lost control of the dressing room having clashed with a number of star players, and it is clear everybody at the club is eagerly awaiting for the season to end.

Meanwhile, los Blancos are winning games based on the sheer quality of their players, as witnessed by 4-3 and 6-2 triumphs over Real Valladolid and Malaga.

Having won last four games in all competitions, los Merengues are 1.55 (5/9) favourites with William Hill to make it five on the bounce.

After scoring a total of 10 goals in last two league fixtures, Real Madrid are 2.62 (13/8) with Stan James to score three goals or more.

Jose Moutinho faces a real selection headache at the moment seeing as how Mesut Ozil, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo are definitely out.

Sami Khedira, Alvaro Arbeloa, Fabio Coentrao and Raul Albiol have all missed training this week and are doubtful for the Espanyol match.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Lopez – Arbeloa, Varane, Albiol, Coentrao – Alonso, Essien – Di Maria, Modric, Ronaldo – Benzema.

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