Espanyol are all set to host Real Madrid in their next LaLiga fixture on February 2. Out of form Espanyol are in the relegation zone and Real Madrid on the other hand are the table toppers. The defending LaLiga champions Los Blancos will be looking to add another three points away from home.
Espanyol will enjoy the advantage of having home fans by their side but it may not be enough for them to stop Real. In their last Spanish league match, Espanyol were held to a draw against Sevilla. Coming against Los Blancos will build up a lot of pressure on them already.
Real Madrid will be confident coming in their away LaLiga game against Espanyol. Carlo Ancelotti’s men are on a victory run after their shameful loss over Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup. They will be keen on keeping their number one spot in the league table. For that, they will have to give their all to win the upcoming match against Los Periquitos.
Real Madrid visit Espanyol and Vinicius Junior is available after missing the last few games. Ceballos will be expected to start in the midfield alongside Valverde and Bellingham.
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois, Vazquez, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Fran Garcia, Ceballos, Valverde, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Mbappe.
Espanyol predicted XI: Joan, Tejero, Omar, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero, Lozano, Kral, Jofre, Puado, Roberto.
While Ancelotti could afford to make some rotations and start some players like Asencio, Güler or even Endrick, the battle for LaLiga is tight enough that the Italian coach will likely deploy his usual starting XI in this game.
Real Madrid will be missing out on the services of Daniel Carvajal, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga for their next LaLiga fixture.
Espanyol predicted lineup (4-4-2)
Garcia (GK); El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Olivan; Carreras, Kral, Lozano, Tejero; Fernandez, Puado.
Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3)
Courtios (GK); Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Modric, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vini Jr.
