Probable Lineups

4-2-3-1
Zaragoza
4-2-3-1
Espanyol
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Probable Lineups Statistical Comparision

(35) 18 Goals 23 (42)
(21) 13 Assists 15 (29)
(6.5) 6.7 Average Ratings 6.8 (6.6)
27.8 Average Age 27.7
178.1 Average Height (cm) 181
(0.8) 0.9 Shots pg 0.8 (0.9)
(44%) 45% Aerial Duel Success 52% (50%)
(0.4) 0.5 Dribbles pg 0.4 (0.3)
(1.8) 1.4 Tackles pg 1.5 (1.7)
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in LIGA BBVA.

Missing Players

Player Reason Status Rating
Adam Pintér Out 6.69
Glenn Loovens Out 6.65
Ivan Obradovic Out 6.46
Apoño Out 7.02
Romaric Out 6.29
Player Reason Status Rating
Cristian Alvarez Out N/A
Ernesto Galán Out N/A
Joan Verdú Out 6.69
Víctor Sánchez Doubtful 7.04
Wakaso Out 7.02

Team News

Zaragoza
  • A third straight defeat for Zaragoza at Valladolid last weekend was enough to convince Manolo Jimenez to rest a number of regular starters for their Copa del Rey quarter-final second-leg against Sevilla in midweek in order to keep them fresh for the visit of Espanyol.
  • The likes of Roberto, Jose Maria Movilla and Helder Postiga will all return to take their places but Apoño is suspended so Jose Mari is expected to join Movilla in the centre of the midfield.
  • Injuries have ruled out Glenn Loovens and Adam Pinter, but their absence will be compensated by the return of Alvaro Gonzalez and Crisitan Sapunaru from suspension.
Espanyol
  • Espanyol continued their revival since the appointment of Javier Aguirre as they came from behind to beat Mallorca 3-2 and move three points clear of the relegation zone.
  • One of their goalscorers from that game will not be available for the trip to Zaragoza though as Joan Verdu is suspended.
  • Sergio Garcia may thus have to drop into a deeper role than he has played in recent weeks with Christian Stuani coming in to lead the line.
  • Victor Sanchez also remains an injury doubt so Raul Baena and Juan Forlin should continue in midfield, whilst Rui Fonte will once again deputise for the absent Mubarak Wakaso.

Prediction

  • Zaragoza have the worst home record in the league with just nine points from nine games at La Romareda but they are in desperate need of a win having slipped to within four points of the bottom three.
  • Jimenez clearly underlined his priorities by basically sacrificing what was an eminently winnable cup tie in midweek and with that in mind he would hope to see a reaction from his side.
  • Despite Espanyol's run of one defeat in six games they have still to win away from home under the Mexican and without their creative hub in Verdu my just come up short in this one.
Prediction:
Zaragoza
2
1
Espanyol
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Head to Head Stats

R Team W D L Pts Form
11 Espanyol 11 11 14 44 dwlldl
18 Zaragoza 9 7 20 34 llwwdl

Top Players

Zaragoza
Espanyol
Apoño 7.02
Abraham 7
F. Montañés 6.88
J. López 7.08
V. Sánchez 7.04
Wakaso 7.02
H. Postiga 13
Apoño 9
F. Montañés 5
J. Verdú 9
S. García 7
C. Stuani 7
V. Rodríguez 7
Apoño 4
J. M. Movilla 3
Wakaso 6
S. García 5
C. Stuani 4

Match Forecast

There will be a high number of cards shown  
Espanyol will be shown a high number of cards  
Zaragoza will be shown a high number of cards  
Espanyol will score from a fast break situation  
* Match forecast is generated from clashes in team characters.
Data sources: Data Sources