Our prediction for this Primera Division match:
Villarreal
Match Time & Date:
03/03/2025
21:00
Prediction: 2-0
Espanyol
Monday’s football game between Villarreal and Espanyol will bring down the curtain on the La Liga round 26. The Yellow Submarine aim to build on a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, but the relegation strugglers should not be written off just yet. Bearing any fresh injury worries, Villarreal boss Marcelino is unlikely to make changes to the team that defeated los Vallecanos at the weekend.
The Catalans, on the other hand, proved their worth in a 1-0 win over Deportivo Alaves, but they will have a mountain to climb in Monday’s clash. As Espanyol have suffered a loss in each of their last four meetings with Villarreal, we believe that there is a big value in betting on the home side. Both Jose Gragera and Gaston Valles are sidelined with injuries, while duo Pere Milla – Fernando Pacheco remains doubtful for the visiting team.
Highlighted Player (Nicolas Pépé):
Born in France to parents of Ivorian descent, Nicolas Pepe became a full Ivory Coast international in 2016. In a symbolic twist of events, Pepe was handed his Ivory Coast debut in a goalless draw against his birth nation France days after receiving his first-ever call-up.
Pepe began his career in the lower leagues in Poitiers in 2012, before moving to Angers a year later. Having proven his qualities in the second-string side, Pepe was instated in Angers’ first team in 2013. Four years later – which included a season-long loan spell at Orleans – Nicolas Pepe was transferred to Lille. Les Dogues beat several sides to the signature of this pacey winger who is no stranger to scoring goals. Quick with his feet, Pepe can be deployed on the right wing and as a centre-forward.
The Ivory Coast international is unpredictable in his movement and not easy to keep an eye on, especially because of his powerful left foot.
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.
Crystal Palace 
Millwall 
Preston
Burnley 
Bournemouth
Wolves
Napoli
Inter
Betis 
Real Madrid 
Man City 
Plymouth 
