The match of the 22nd round of the La Liga between Espanyol and Alavés will take place on 30 january at the Cornellà-El Prat stadium in Barcelona. Espanyol vs Alavés: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Espanyol
Espanyol are still experiencing a slump in January. After a run of 5 victories at the end of last year, the team have failed to win in 4 consecutive La Liga matches. Three of those four games ended in defeat. Last week the team lost a thrilling away game against Valencia (2:3). During that trip the team showed character and twice drew level, but ultimately that was not enough even for a draw after a penalty conceded in the 94th minute. Fortunately for the team, rivals also slipped, so the home side retained fifth place in the table. The gap to Betis and Celta stands at 2 points.
- At least one team failed to score in 5 of the last 6 La Liga matches at the home side's ground.
- The club's home run in this competition stands at 7 matches (3 wins, 4 losses).
- The home side have not kept a clean sheet in 5 La Liga matches.
Potential Espanyol Lineup (4-4-2)*
Marco Dmitrovic – Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero, Ruben Sanchez – Urko Gonzalez, Pol Lozano, Jofre Carreras, Ramon Terrats – Pere Milla, Roberto Fernandez.
Defender Omar El Hilali has served a suspension. Captain Javi Puado is unavailable due to injury.
Alavés
Alavés claimed a very important victory over strong Betis (2:1) in the last La Liga round. Thanks to this, the club ended a 5-match winless run in the championship (1 draw, 4 losses). Importantly, the club quickly left the relegation zone and rose to 15th place in the table. Nevertheless, the league position remains extremely tight, as the team are only 1 point from 18th place. On the other hand, with another victory the visiting team have a chance to move close to clubs from the top ten.
- In the current La Liga season Alavés have collected only 4 points in away matches – this is the worst record alongside Elche.
- The club have won with a (+1.5) handicap in 5 of their previous 7 games in this competition.
- Alavés have failed to score more than 1 goal in 14 consecutive La Liga away matches.
Potential Alavés Lineup (4-4-2)*
Antonio Sivera – Jon Pacheco, Nahuel Tenaglia, Jony, Carlos Benavidez – Antonio Blanco, Carles Alena, Pablo Ibanez, Carlos Vicente – Toni Martinez, Lucas Boye.
Top scorer Carlos Vicente has moved to Birmingham; forward Ángel Pérez from Huesca has been signed as his replacement. Defender Facundo Garces has returned to training after a 4-month suspension. The participation of midfielder Denis Suárez is in doubt.
Referee
Miguel Sesma Espinosa (Spain)
Matches – 11 (the La Liga, 2025/26);
Yellow Cards Shown (including second yellows) – 30;
Average Yellow Cards Per Match – 2.7;
Red Cards Shown – 0;
Fouls Per Match – 27;
Penalties – 18%.
Espanyol vs Alavés: Match Prediction
Espanyol have so far been unable to overcome the slump that began after the winter break. After the first 4 La Liga rounds in 2026 the team have not won and collected only 1 point from 12 possible. It is important that at such an anxious moment the home side will face a fairly convenient opponent. Although in the autumn the club lost to Alavés away, in the 6 most recent head-to-head meetings at their own stands in La Liga Espanyol have 5 wins and only 1 draw. We would add that five goals were scored in the last game, and at least 2 goals were registered in 3 of the previous 4 matches in Barcelona.
Alavés ended their winless run in the championship, but it is notable that for several months the club have been winning exclusively at home in this competition. Away the visiting team have not picked up 3 points in 8 La Liga matches; the last 7 away fixtures ended in defeat. Overall, the club lost 7 of their last 10 La Liga matches (2 wins, 1 draw). We also note that Alavés rarely make matches dull: in 5 of the last 6 league games there were at least 2 goals, and 4 of the 6 games were overs.
Prediction: Espanyol Or Draw + Over 1.5 Goals
* For each team the starting lineup from their previous match in this competition is shown.
