Espanyol is having the worst season in La Liga at the bottom of the table. With a possible relegation for the side, they will be looking to change the tide as they host side, Athletic Bilbao. The match is scheduled for 25th January, at the RCDE Stadium with kickoff at 15:00 GMT.
Athletic Bilbao has failed to register a win in their past five matches. This comes after a series of draws for the side and one loss. Coach Gaizka Garitano has failed to register a win, which has cost him a title opportunity.
Espanyol, on the other hand, has managed to register only a single win in their last five matches. The side has only 14 points, with only one win. Coach Albelardo has come under heavy scrutiny, especially with the dismal performances put forward by the team.
RCD Espanyol vs. Athletico Bilbao Head to Head
Both teams have met 32 times in the league with Espanyol taking up 13 wins while Athletico Bilbao has managed ten wins. Here is a look at their past encounters:
Athletic Bilbao 3-0 Espanyol
Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Espanyol
Espanyol 1-0 Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Espanyol
Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Espanyol
Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Espanyol
Espanyol 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
Espanyol 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
RCD Espanyol Team News
Right-back Sebastien Corchia will be out for the clash after going through knee surgery. Right-back Javi Lopez will also be facing a red card suspension. On the verge of a yellow card suspension is a center back Naldo, defensive midfielder Marc Roca and center back Fernando Calero.
Athletico Bilbao Team News
Right-back Oscar de Marcos will be missing the match after going through muscular problems. Center forward Aritz Aduriz is still recovering from a hip injury. Close to the risk of a yellow card suspension is Inigo Martinez and central midfielder Dani Garcia.
The future of defender Unai Nunez is still under review with a speculated summer move for the star. Center forward Inaki Williams has been misfiring this season with only four goals. The side’s top scorer is Raul Garcia, who has netted six goals and one assist.
Prediction and Odds
Espanyol is currently struggling to find their winning ways in La Liga. This will be a natural breeze for Athletic Bilbao, who are currently struggling to return to the top of the Bundesliga.
Athletico Bilbao win
Goals Under 2.5
Most Goals Second Half