24 September 2021, 14:21 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The LaLiga Santander fixture, Sevilla FC vs. RCD Espanyol de Barcelona, kicks off at 17:30 (GMT+1) on Saturday, September 25 at the 43,883-capacity Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.
Preview Sevilla La Liga, Sep 25, 2021
Preview Sevilla picked up a 3-1 win over Valencia during the week in Wednesday's fixture on home soil. Papu Gómez (3'), Gonzola Montiel (15') and Rafa Mir (22') were all on target to see Sevilla pick up their third victory of the season. However, the Bats left Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán with a consolation goal tucked in the basket and tagged with the name: Hugo Duro (31'). Sevilla remains unbeaten in five games: WWDDW and in 3rd place, with 11 points after 3W, 2D, & 0L. A quick look at the numbers reveals an average of 1.6 goals scored per game, which leaves Sevilla with 8 goals in five La Liga games. Having a game in hand, the club has conceded 2 goals (0.4 g.c.p.g), and has a goal difference of +6 after five games. Julen Lopetegui would fancy a win, but a point wouldn’t be a bad result considering the visitors are also unbeaten and equally in good form. Sevilla are currently the LaLiga Santander team with the best attacking build-up play. The club averages a total of 6.7 passes per possession and based on Sevilla's attacking minded nature, they remain the second team with the highest percentage of ball possessions which have ended in an attack on goal. An attacking 4—3—3 formation with Rafa Mir serving as the focal point of attack is anticipated, while Erik Lamela and Ocampos could be positioned on the flanks. Julen Lopetegui will enjoy the luxury of making his selection from a fully fit squad ahead of this fixture against Espanyol. Erik Lamela remains the club's top scorer with three goals in five appearances and also has one assist, which forms a 50% participation in all episodes that have led to a goal for the club.
Preview Espanyol La Liga, Sep 25, 2021
Preview Espanyol occupies 13th place on the La Liga table, having picked up 6 points from 1W, 3D, & 2L. The club picked up its first victory of the season in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Deportivo Alaves (DLLDW) at the Cornellà-El Prat. Raúl de Tomás (54' P.) separated both sides from the penalty spot, sending the goalkeeper diving the wrong way after a handball was spotted in the box. The club’s performance in the final third has brought Espanyol 4 goals after six La Liga games. With an average of 0.67 goals scored per game, the White and Blue have conceded five goals so far (0.83 g.c.p.g) in the length of the current season, and have a goal difference of -1. Manager Vicente Moreno could emerge with the same 4—2—3—1 formation on Saturday, having Raúl de Tomás at the top of the shape once again.