Espanyol are hoping to end their four-match losing run and rediscover their home form with a win over Real Sociedad, the team that play well at home but have major problems on the travels. With the two teams separated by just three points in the standings, we should see a very interesting game at Montjuic.

High time to end the poor run

Espanyol have started the season in excellent manner and continued playing well as the season unfolded, but their recent poor run of results in threatening to ruin their league campaign. Just few weeks back, Mauricio Pochettino’s side were fighting for the Champions League places, mostly thanks to next to perfect home record, but they then suffered four defeats in a row and slipped to sixth place in the standings. Espanyol still have enough time to save this season, but the players are aware this is a must-win game if they are to realize their ambitions. Despite the recent poor run of form, the hosts have reason for optimism as they have won all eight home games this season if we disregard recent defeats to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Villarreal, which clearly shows they are a real force to be reckoned with at Montjuic.

Jose Callejon and Aldo Duscher should be in contention despite picking up minor knocks in training, but Ivan Alonso is a major doubt. Raul Baena, Ivan de la Pena and Juan Forlin remain on the sidelines.

Tamudo returns to Montjuic

Real Sociedad have really impressed on their return to La Liga, and they seem to have already ensured their top flight status. The Erreala currently sit in 8th place with 34 points and they can now play without any pressure. Just like Espanyol, Martin Lasarte’s side are thoroughly impressive at home, having won 8 out of 12 games at Anoeta, but they largely struggle on the travels, as witnessed by their 3-1-8 record and the fact they lost four out of last five away games. Erreala continued the good run of results by beating Mallorca on Monday thanks to Raul Tamudo’s goal, with the striker now set to return to the place where he had made a name for himself. Tamudo should get a welcoming reception at Montjuic, but I am not sure he will have much to be pleased about when the match finishes.

Key defender Ion Ansotegi has been left out for technical reasons, while Mikel Aranburu and Gorka Elustondo are out through suspension and injury respectively.

Verdict

It is only a matter of time before Espanyol rediscovered their home form and I have a feeling that will happen in this match. The hosts should have the upper hand against Real Sociedad, who not only struggle on the travels but miss out few very important players. I recommend betting on home win.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 2.10 (11/10)

Bookmaker: Bet365