Leganes vs Espanyol Preview

Sunday’s La Liga action sees a match with huge ramification at the bottom of the league, as 19th placed Leganes host 14th placed Espanyol, with both looking to give their survival chances a boost.

Leganes sit four points from safety, and a defeat here could see that gap slip to seven with just three games remaining. Meanwhile, away side Espanyol sit seven points clear of 18th place Las Palmas, and know a win would all but confirm their status as a La Liga club next season.

As the game approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Where to Watch

This game will be shown on La Liga TV and Premier Sports 1, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00 GMT on Sunday.

Key Statistics

• Leganes are winless in their last eight league fixtures. However, they have shown signs of promise, drawing four of their last five.
• They have lost just one of their last seven meetings with Espanyol, winning four and drawing two.
• Espanyol have the lowest average possession of any La Liga side this season, holding the ball just 39.2% of the time.
• They also boast the lowest expected goals (29.7) across the season, and are over-achieving this figure by seven.

Leganes Preview

Leganes Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Marko Dmitrovic (GK); Javier Hernandez, Jorge Saenz, Sergio Gonzalez, Julian Chicco; Duk, Darko Brasanac, Renato Tapia, Juan Cruz; Munir El Haddadi, Daniel Raba.

Having been virtually passive from January to March, Leganes are starting to show signs of life, and in truth, have been unlucky not to turn some of their recent draws into wins. Their only defeat in their last five games was a 1-0 loss to Barcelona - if they are forcing even the leaders to struggle, then they are doing something right.

Their defence has been their main strength. They have conceded five in their last five, and even managed their ninth clean sheet of the season against Mallorca in mid-April, their first in over a month.

However, their attack is causing problems. Their 32 goals scored is the second lowest in the league, and if they can’t threaten to score frequently, then their chances of survival never going to get out of second gear.

Espanyol Preview

Espanyol Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia (GK); Carlos Romero, Leandro Cabrera, Marash Kumbulla, Alvaro Tejero; Pol Lozano, Urko Gonzalez; Javier Puado, Edu Exposito, Antoniu Roca; Roberto Fernandez.

Espanyol have been defying expectations all season. A side based on rigorous defensive training and taking advantage of the occasional counter-attack, they have been able to surprise more than a few teams this season, culminating in a superb victory over Real Madrid.

Now, if other results go their way this weekend, they could confirm safety if they beat Leganes on Sunday. They would require Las Palmas to lose to Rayo Vallecano, and even if Espanyol lose, they have games against Osasuna and Las Palmas left to get the job done.

They were very unfortunate not to seal safety last time out, as a late Real Betis comeback, complete with a stoppage time Antony winner, saw their fate suspended. They will use that result to fuel the fire in their bellies as they enter this game with one goal in mind.

Leganes vs Espanyol Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 11/01/2025: Espanyol 1-1 Leganes.
• 12/04/2024: Leganes 0-0 Espanyol.
• 20/10/2023: Espanyol 0-1 Leganes.
• 11/04/2021: Espanyol 2-1 Leganes.
• 26/11/2020: Leganes 2-0 Espanyol.

Leganes vs Espanyol Betting Tip

Though Espanyol are within touching distance of safety, Leganes future will hang in the balance even if they emerge from this game with a win. That is why I think they will take away a victory here, because anything else will see them sent back down to La Liga 2 after just one season away.

Leganes vs Espanyol Prediction

Leganes 1-0 Espanyol

It will be a cagey game, lacking in significant quality, but Leganes won’t care a jot if they manage to edge their opponents.