Our prediction for this Primera Division match:
Atletico Madrid will be aiming to bounce back from a shocking 3-2 loss to relegation strugglers Cadiz when they host Espanyol to their Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday. Los Rojiblancos are eager to rejoin the title race, and we are positive that they will go all guns blazing at los Periquitos. All Koke, Lemar, and Llorente should miss out with injuries for the home team.
The Catalans, on the other hand, came from behind to share the spoils with Mallorca on the road, but despite the draw they have remained in the danger zone. Since Espanyol are not regarded as good travellers, we believe that there is a big value in betting on Diego Simeone’s troops. Jose Carlos Lazo, who scored a beautiful winner at the weekend, is pushing for a rare start, whilst Adria Pedrosa remains on the sidelines with a hernia problem.
Highlighted Player (Geoffrey Kondogbia):
Geoffrey Kondogbia is a French football player born on 15th of February 1993 in Nemours with roots in Central African Republic. Kondogbia started his football career in the youth of RC Lens where he made his debut for the first team in season 2010/2011. After playing for Sevilla and AS Monaco Kondogbia made a transfer to Inter Milan, which paid around 35 million euro.
Knodogbia is, despite his age, a very mature football player, which plays as a defensive midfielder. Being left-footed gives Kondogbia more abilities than other players in order to open up and create space in the pitch. Kondogbia made his debut for the French national team in August 2013.
Kondogbia is a very talentful player, which will be one of the best defensive midfielders In a couple of years. The competition for a spot in the starting eleven of France is very hard, which gives Kondogbia the opportunity to focus on Inter Milan.
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.