Our prediction for this Primera Division match:
Villarreal
Match Time & Date:
27/02/2022
14:00
Prediction: 2-1
Espanyol
After rolling over Granada 4-1 in their last league match, Villarreal will look to move closer to the Champions League berth when they host Espanyol to their Estadio de la Ceramica. The Yellow Submarine have been producing fine displays in 2022, and they are likely to adopt yet another attack-minded approach against los Periquitos.
Even though key striker Gerard Moreno continues to miss out with injury, home win should be considered as Dutch forward Arnaut Danjuma, who scored a hat-trick at the weekend, is likely to prove a handful for the opposition back-line. The Catalans, on the other hand, did well to share the spoils with both Barcelona (2-2) and Sevilla (1-1) in the previous two league fixtures, but given their anything but good away record, we are tempted to put our money on Villarreal. Both Manu Morlanes and Nico Melamed are back from suspension for the away side.
Highlighted Player (Aissa Mandi):
Aissa Mandi is a product of Reims’ youth school. After playing eight matches for Reims II in the 2009/2010 season, he started playing for the first team in 2010. Mandi made his Reims debut against Le Havre on 20 August, 2010 and he remained at Stade Auguste Delaune until 30 June, 2016, when he decided to join Spanish side Real Betis.
The Algeria international, who was born in Chalons-en-Champagne, France, signed a five-year contract with los Beticos which expires on 30 June, 2021. His main position is centre back, but he is capable of playing as a full back as well. The right-footed defender made his Algeria debut on 5 March, 2014 and he helped the Algerian national team keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Slovenia.
Mandi impressed at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, but he scored his first goal for Algeria in a 3-3 draw with Ethiopia in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He represented Algeria at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations as well.
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.
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