20 August 2021, 12:52 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Spanish La Liga fixture, RCD Espanyol vs. Villarreal CF kicks off at 18:30 (GMT+1) on Saturday, August 21 at the Cornellà-El Prat.
Preview Espanyol La Liga, Aug 21, 2021
Preview RCD Espanyol de Barcelona will return behind the disappointing opening day goalless draw against Osasuna last Saturday at the El Sadar. Despite several clear-cut chances at both halves, both teams failed to convert, - leaving the result as a false reflection of the game which saw a total of 24 shots taken. Espanyol took 10 shots out of those, with 3 of them on target. Vicente Moreno’s men will have to be more clinical in the final third to make up for lost points when they welcome Villarreal to the Cornellà-El Prat on the second day of the league. Nothing less than a win would be ideal in getting their La Liga campaign off on the right track. A 4—2—3—1 formation with 26-year-old Spanish centre-forward, Raúl de Tomás leading the attack ahead of a midfield trio similar to what was seen on Match Day 1 is expected. Belgian forward, 23-year-old Landry Dimata is expected to make an off-the-bench appearance before the game comes to an end. Vicente Moreno will have a fully fit squad to choose from as no reported injuries appear on the team sheet.
Preview Villarreal La Liga, Aug 21, 2021
Preview Yet to record a win in an opening match in the league since 2014, Villarreal CF failed once again to find a winning start to the season when they took on Granada on home soil at the El Madrigal. Thousands of home fans were present at the stadium but were left disappointed after the Yellow Submarine came out with a disappointing goalless draw. Villarreal had more of the ball, 61% and took 14 shots in that game, - with four of them on target despite finishing with ten men. Before the game came to an end, Gerard Moreno saw his goal-bound effort cleared off the line minutes after Juan Foyth (82' R.) was shown the second yellow card. Summer signing, €12M-rated centre-forward, Boulaye Dia put up an impressive performance against Granada on Match Day 1. He is expected to command a starting role once again on Match Day 2. Shipmaster, Unai Emery, and the Yellow Submarine will aim to sink Espanyol when they meet on Saturday. A conventional 4—4—2 formation with the attacking duo of Boulaye Dia and Gerard Moreno could be on the deck for Unai. Nigerian forward, Samuel Chukwueze remains doubtful for this fixture due to a hamstring injury. Juan Foyth is suspended for this game after picking up the red against Granada.