Two clubs flying high in the La Liga standings meet when Espanyol host Elche in matchday ten.
Match News and Current Form
After suffering a four-match winless blip in La Liga (D2, L2), Espanyol grabbed a morale-boosting 2-0 win at another newly-promoted team in Real Oviedo, last time out. That means they sit in the top six ahead of the weekend, the highest they’ve sat in the table after nine La Liga matchdays since the 2018/19 season, when they finished in their highest placing for the last 20 years (7th)! So, despite losing out 2-1 to Real Betis in their last league outing here, they’ll be desperate to rediscover the form that saw them go five league games unbeaten before that (W4, D1).
With still only one loss to their name this La Liga season (W3, D5, L1), Elche are scaling heights that few would have expected after their promotion to the Spanish top-flight this season. The latest of those results was a stern goalless draw against Champions League participants Athletic Club, although it should be noted that they are yet to win a league away game this season with their only loss so far, a 3-1 reverse to Alavés, preceded by three straight draws.
Head-to-Head History
Espanyol have only beaten Elche once in their previous six La Liga H2Hs (D3, L2), but that did come in the last meeting in February 2023. The Parakeets will now be aiming to win consecutive top-flight games against them for the first time since March 1985.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Espanyol have conceded exactly two goals in each of their last three home La Liga games.
Only the current La Liga top four have more home wins than Espanyol.
Elche have not won either of their last two league matches (L1 D1) and haven’t gone three without a win in a single La Liga season since April 2023.
Elche are yet to keep an away clean sheet this season.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Espanyol’s Pere Milla has scored four goals in seven La Liga games for Espanyol this season, which is one more than he netted in 20 league matches last campaign! André Silva has four goals in his last six league appearances - each of them his side’s opener on the day.
Espanyol will be without key man Javi Puado, while Elche’s Grady Diangana is set to miss the match.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
With both sides performing well, back a score draw here with André Silva on the scoresheet again.
Author: Luke Bridle