Real Valladolid vs. Espanyol: Preview, Predictions, and Betting Tips

Overview

Real Valladolid kick off their 2024-25 La Liga campaign away at Espanyol on Monday, August 19.

Newly-promoted Valladolid will be looking to make a positive start to life back in the top flight, while Espanyol will be aiming to build on a solid 14th-place finish last season.

Espanyol have won three of the last five meetings with Real Valladolid in all competitions, including a 2-0 victory when the sides met in the Segunda Division in March 2021.

Team News

Real Valladolid will be without the suspended Javi Sanchez, while Kenedy and Ivan Fresneda are both doubtful due to injury.

Espanyol, meanwhile, are sweating over the fitness of Raul de Tomas, who has been struggling with a muscle problem.

Possible Lineups

Real Valladolid: Masip; Fresneda, El Yamiq, Javi Sanchez, Escudero; Aguado, Monchu, Kenedy; Plano, Weissman, Leon

Espanyol: Lecomte; Gil, Cabrera, Calero, Olivan; Darder, Souza; Puado, Embarba, Melamed; Joselu

Predictions

Both teams will be looking to start the season with a win, and this could be a very close match.

Espanyol have a slight edge in terms of quality, but Real Valladolid will be buoyed by the return to the top flight and will be determined to make a positive start to the season.

I predict a 1-1 draw.

Betting Tips

- Draw: 110 (1.1)

- Both teams to score: 133 (1.33)

- Real Valladolid to win: 400 (4.0)