La Liga Preview: Sporting Gijon & Espanyol Face Off To Extend Impressive Run

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Marcelo, Rivera, Sporting Gijon, Real Madrid (MARCA)

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Teams

• Almeria
• Espanyol
• Osasuna
• Sporting de Gijon
• Valladolid
• Xerez

Real Valladolid vs Xerez

Kick-off: Sunday November 8, 17:00 CET – Estadio Jose Zorrilla

Valladolid have lost only once in their last four league games and that was against Real Madrid. But despite their commendable run, they are still only two points and four spots above the relegation zone. A win against lowly Xerez will be extremely crucial, as it could propel them towards mid-table. More importantly, it will be only their third win in 21 consecutive outings stretching back to last season.

With back-to-back league defeats and no goals scored, Xerez appear to be going backwards, after looking to have overcome their dreadful start to the campaign. A 2-0 defeat to Sevilla last weekend is nothing to feel ashamed about but after nine matches in the top flight, Cuco Ziganda’s men are showing very little evidence that they can avoid the drop.

The Pucela will be without injured Sisi and Jacobo Sanz, while Pedro Lopez sustained a knock in his left ankle during a midweek training session, although the club’s medical team are confident he will recover in time.

Xerez, meanwhile, will still have to make do without captain Jesus Mendoza, who has yet to fully recover from a hamstring injury. 

Prediction: Real Valladolid 3-0 Xerez   

Sporting Gijon vs Espanyol

Kick-off: Sunday November 8, 17:00 CET – El Molinon

These two sides were struggling horribly in the drop zone for almost the whole of last season. But this term, they have formed quite the surprise package, as Sporting sit in seventh spot and Espanyol are just one rung below, level on 13 points.

The Asturians have lost just twice in the first nine rounds of the campaign and what’s even more amazing is that they have already negotiated Barcelona, Valencia and Real Madrid. The Catalans, meanwhile, are on a stunning seven-game undefeated spell and even though their performances have rarely been convincing, they are getting the results they need to stay well clear of the relegation dogfight.

Sporting coach Manolo Preciado has hinted that he will use the same XI he fielded against Deportivo La Coruna last week. The only two exclusions will be Michel, who is injured, and the suspended David Barral. Matabuena, Mate Bilic and Diego Camacho will fight for the available two openings.  

Espanyol captain Ivan de la Pena has been fighting for fitness all week long but it is doubtful that he will make the clash as he continues to nurse a sore calf muscle. Ferran Corominas is a certain absentee due to an ankle sprain but Ivan Pillud should return after shaking a muscular overload.

Prediction: Sporting Gijon 2-1 Espanyol

Almeria vs Osasuna

Kick-off: Sunday November 8, 17:00 CET – Estadio Juegos Mediterraneos

Despite a very solid start to the season, Almeria have gone on a sudden slump, having won only once in their last four games while losing the other three. Scoring goals has been a major issue for Hugo Sanchez’s side, as they have netted just eight times… not the worst in the league but certainly not the best from a side who can definitely do better.

Osasuna showed their mettle and their fighting spirit last weekend when they held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw thanks to an injury time equaliser. They have lost only once in their last six La Liga encounters and as a team who spent the whole of last season fighting for survival, they are walking on the right path this time around.

Almeria will have to snap their poor form without Fernando Soriano, who has to serve a one-game ban for yellow card accumulation. Fabian Vargas and Henok Goitom, meanwhile, are both out injured.

For the visiting Navarrans Carlos Aranda, who had his yellow card against Barca rescinded by the Appeals Committee, is doubtful due to a hamstring problem and his availability will only be determined on Saturday.

Prediction: Almeria 1-1 Osasuna   

KS Leong, Goal.com