Wednesday, May 11, 2011

| by

0

11.05. (Wed) 21:00 Espanyol - Valencia



DID YOU KNOW?

* Espanyol have recorded the fewest points of any team in La Liga in the second half of the season, with the exception of Hercules, Getafe and Almeria.

* Espanyol have scored just two goals from outside the penalty box, the fewest in La Liga.

* The Catalans are the lowest placed side in the table who are assured of top flight football next season, despite being eighth.

* No Espanyol player has scored in the last three meetings against Valencia; their only strike came courtesy of a Ricardo Costa own goal.

* Valencia have not drawn any of their last eleven games - their last tie came in February against Athletic Bilbao.

* Although Valencia won the corresponding fixture 2-0 last season thanks to a Nikola Zigic brace, they have won just four times in total away to Espanyol.

* Unai Emery's men have won six times at home after conceding the first goal, more than any other team in the league.

* Prior to their win last season, Valencia's last win away in this fixture came in December 2001 but this will be the first encounter at Espanyol's Cornella-El Prat stadium.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Espanyol (4-2-3-1)
Kameni; Galan, Amat, Rodriguez, Chica; Vedu, Marquez; L. Garcia, Alonso, Callejon; Osvaldo

Ivan Alonso picked up a thigh problem but should be able to play without any problems, though there are greater doubts over the participation of Dani Osvaldo, who is suffering from a sore hamstring. Baena, Ivan de la Pena and Aldo Duscher are remain on the road back to full fitness.

Valencia (4-2-3-1)
Guaita; Miguel, Dealbert, Ricardo Costa, Mathieu; Banega, Albelda, Joaquin, Mata, Pablo; Soldado

Although Jonas picked up a goal in the win over Real Sociedad at the weekend, Emery could well opt to revert to a one-striker system for the trip to Espanyol. Pablo, who was a substitute last time out, may well return to the starting eleven. Given the reported bust-up, which took place in training today, the players may well be relieved to be back on the pitch.

Prediction
Espanyol 1-1 Valencia