Real Valladolid v Espanyol – Betting Preview
Real Valladolid Summary
Real Valladolid had started February in a sensational mood and had put several places between them and the bottom three thanks to a big upturn in form from around mid-January.
However, with back-to-back losses including a 3-0 hammering in Celta Vigo last weekend, they are right back in the thick of the drop zone and greatly worried about their survival.
The defeat last weekend was so disappointing as they never showed the same fight they have all season even, when enduring their worst losing runs.
Valladolid host Espanyol having not won in three outings now, but will firmly believe that they can defeat this opponent.
Team news-wise there is a big positive with Darwin Machis back in attack. He has been a star man through their good form.
On the negative, keeper Masip remains out and won’t be back for around a month.
Asenjo starts in goal, a veteran with good experience and quality but question marks about his lack of starting minutes in recent years. He had a mixed performance in Vigo, but the 3-0 loss will have hurt his confidence.
Valladolid is missing Amallah and Kike Perez, both banned.
Espanyol Summary
The impressive 2-1 win last weekend against high-flying Real Mallorca saw them gain six points from the last possible six available. This left morale and confidence very much on an upward curve.
Winning back-to-back games particularly when one is against a rival at the bottom represents potentially season-changing form for Espanyol.
They will aim to avoid a loss against relegation rivals Valladolid
Espanyol starts the Round in 12th place in the La Liga 2022/23 table, but with a four-point gap now between them and the drop zone.
The Catalan’s only desire now is to win and move further away from the relegation zone.
March is a big month for them too where apart from a trip to face Real Madrid, they have some more winnable fixtures such as Valladolid here, Celta Vigo, and Girona.
Team news is good as Diego Martinez will be hoping Joselu returns here.
Braithwaite leads the attack if Joselu has to miss out, and so at this stage, it is pretty much 50/50 between these two.
There are no new absences or doubts of importance for Espanyol.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Valladolid is the slight favourite for this game @ 2.65.
Espanyol is in better recent form but would take the draw. To go one better and get the 3 points, Espanyol is @ 2.85 to win. The draw is @ 3.20.
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest. So close is the betting between these two well matched sides, the draw no bet (DNB) is offered as a cushion.
So a bet on either Valladolid -0 @ 1.86 or Espanyol -0 @ 2.01 would see the full stake returned should it end as a draw.
Looking at The Under/Over goal betting last of all. I expected the line to be lower and set at 2 goals, making it tempting to take on.
The market has the line at 2.25 which looks like a chance to take the Under here @ 1.83. The importance of the game should see a nervy and tight encounter. Over @ 2.00.
