Espanyol Form
Espanyol are in a deep crisis. Manolo Gonzalez's side have not tasted victory in 16 matches in a row in all competitions. The latest goalless draw with Levante only highlighted the main problem for the hosts – a weak attack. Despite decent home possession (around 58%), the team have scored only five goals in their last seven matches at the RCDE Stadium.
Key numbers for Espanyol:
In 12 of their last 15 matches the team have conceded in the second half.
Espanyol have lost 18 of their last 21 meetings with Real Madrid.
In five of six home matches Manolo Gonzalez's team have conceded in the first half.
Probable lineup (4-4-2): Marko Dmitrovic – Omar El Hilali, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero – Cyril Ngonge, Edu Exposito, Urko Gonzalez, Pere Milla – Kike Garcia, Ramon Terrats
Out: Javi Puado (injury), Pol Lozano (suspension)
Real Madrid Form
Real Madrid are going through one of the most difficult spells of their season. Alvaro Arbeloa's side have won only once in the last four league rounds. Nevertheless, Los Blancos remain the second force in Spain with a powerful attack (68 goals) and the second-best away record in the league (nine wins in 16 matches). However, the big headache for the visitors is their leaky defence. In their previous 10 league rounds Real have conceded at least one goal in every match. On top of that, the Madrid club have lost Kylian Mbappe until the end of the season, which will seriously weaken their attack.
Key numbers for Real Madrid:
Real Madrid have conceded in the second half in six matches in a row.
The bet "Both teams to score – Yes" has landed in seven consecutive matches.
The visitors have picked up 59 yellow cards this season, fewer only than Barcelona (52).
Probable lineup (4-2-3-1): Andriy Lunin – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Ferland Mendy – Fede Valverde, Thiago Pitarch – Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior – Gonzalo Garcia
Out: Thibaut Courtois, Rodrygo, Eder Militao, Arda Guler, Dani Carvajal, Kylian Mbappe (injuries)
