Our prediction for this Copa del Rey match:
Athletic Bilbao
Match Time & Date:
18/01/2023
20:00
Prediction: 1-1
Espanyol
Athletic Club will be aiming to make amends for a 3-1 loss to Real Sociedad when they take on Espanyol in the Copa del Rey last 16. The Lions failed to impress in the Basque derby, but Wednesday’s clash could be the turning point for Ernesto Valverde’s troops. Yeray Alvarez is available for selection despite his sending off at the weekend, while both Raul Garcia and Iker Muniain are pushing for a start.
Los Periquitos, on the other hand, did well to beat Getafe in the suburbs of Madrid, with the team moving away from the relegation zone. Since Espanyol are undefeated in the previous six games in all competitions, we are tempted to put our money on draw. As for the Catalan outfit, defender Brian Olivan is back from suspension, while all Bare, Gori, Lozano, and Pedrosa miss out with injuries.
Highlighted Player (Iker Muniain):
Iker Muniain was once considered one of the most talented players in Spain, but he obviously failed to reach his full potential. Munian is an attacking midfielder, who is capable of playing as a forward as well and he began his youth career at Chantrea. In 2005 he made probably the best decision of his career as he joined Athletic Bilbao youth academy.
He made his debut for Athletic Bilbao on 30 July, 2009 in a 1-0 loss to Young Boys in the Europa League. Iker Munian impressed in the 2011/2012 La Liga campaign with the Lions, scoring nine goals in all competitions, but he failed to make a bigger progress. The Athletic Bilbao product has been struggling with injuries and it has to be noted that the injury he suffered against Sevilla on 4 April, 2015 could have ruined his career.
However, he returned to action on 20 December, but he was playing below expectations in the second half of the season. Iker Munian made his Spain debut on 29 February, 2012 in a friendly against Venezuela. La Roja won the match 5-0 and Munian came as a substitute in the 74th minute of the match.
Highlighted Team (Espanyol):
Espanyol are a Catalan club that plays in Spanish La Liga. Espanyol were founded in 1900 and their original name was Sociedad Espanola de Football. In 1901 the Catalan club changed its name to Club Espanol de Futbol. Los Periquitos used to play in bright yellow shirts in the past, but current colour of the team’s home kit is blue and white.
Espanyol’s fiercest rivals are Barcelona and the two teams face each other in the Catalan derby (Derbi barceloni). Espanyol have always been in Barca’s shadow, but it has to be noted that los Periquitos have won four Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup trophies).
The likes of Raul Tamudo, Jose Maria, Antonio Argiles and Mauricio Pochettino are players with most appearances for the Catalan outfit. Espanyol play their home games at Estadio Cornella-El Prat and the capacity of the stadium is 40,500. Los Periquitos have never participated in the Champions League.
Brighton
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Crystal Palace
Newcastle 
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