Espanyol vs Real Madrid: Live Stream, Prediction & Lineups

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Real Madrid are set to keep their four-point lead at the top of La Liga with a win over Espanyol, who are desperate to climb out of the relegation zone.

Espanyol, sitting 18th with only 20 points from 21 matches, have struggled since the season began. They will need to string together better performances soon to avoid a fight against relegation as the season nears its end. Although they are unbeaten in their last three league matches—winning one of them—a recent 1-1 draw against Sevilla leaves them needing a boost, especially when facing a strong Real Madrid side.

On the other side, Real Madrid tops the league with 49 points from 21 matches. Despite a few rough patches in other tournaments, their consistency in La Liga has kept them comfortably in first place. However, they cannot relax as rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are closing in. The team in white is on a five-game winning streak across all competitions, and they will look to extend that run against Espanyol.

Below is a closer look at both teams, including team news, tactics, and predicted lineups for this highly anticipated fixture.

Team News & Tactics

Espanyol

Espanyol will miss Salvi Sanchez and Jose Gragera, with Brian Olivan doubtful and Carlos Romero possibly stepping in. Coach Manolo Gonzalez is likely to stick with the same starting lineup from their last game, except for Romero’s inclusion. They are expected to play in a 4-4-2 formation with Joan Garcia guarding the goal.

Defenders: Omar El Hilali and Carlos Romero as full-backs, with Marash Kumbulla and Leandro Cabrera in central defense.
Midfielders: Jofre Carreras on the right, Alvaro Tejero on the left, while Alex Kral and Pol Lozano take up the central midfield roles.
Forwards: Roberto Fernandez and Javi Puado lead the attack.

Probable Lineup (4-4-2):
Joan Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero; Carreras, Kral, Lozano, Tejero; Puado, Fernandez.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid will be without Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, but Eduardo Camavinga might return after dealing with a muscle issue. Vinicius Junior is back after suspension and should be a key starter. Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make a few adjustments, though he will maintain the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois will continue in goal.
Defenders: Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy on the flanks, with Raul Asencio expected to return and join Antonio Rudiger in central defense.
Midfield: Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde will control the center.
Attack: Jude Bellingham will serve as the attacking midfielder, supported by Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo on the wings, with Kylian Mbappe leading the line.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe.

Key Stats

Real Madrid have won their last five games heading into this match.
Espanyol have only secured one win in their last six league matches.
Espanyol have not lost at home in the league since late October.
Real Madrid have won their last four meetings with Espanyol.
In the reverse fixture, Real Madrid triumphed 4-1.

Player to Watch: Vinicius Junior

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After missing three out of four games due to suspension, Vinicius Junior is eager to return. The 24-year-old has already scored 16 goals and provided 10 assists this season, and he will look to add more to his impressive tally.