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Recommended bets
[RECOMMENDED_BETS]
Sevilla are unbeaten in seven meetings with Espanyol, winning five of them. Since their famous 6-4 win in this fixture in 2016, the eight encounters have produced a measly 21 goals in comparison.
Under 2.5 goals is 8/13.
Both teams to score is 19/20.
Raúl de Tomás has scored 41 goals in 77 appearances since joining Espanyol in January 2020. R.D.T. is 9/2 to break the deadlock and 13/8 to add to his tally.
Match preview
Sevilla really do love the UEFA Europa League don’t they?
On Thursday evening, los Nervionenses began a campaign which they hope will end in a record-extending seventh triumph in that competition.
This leaves them in a strong positition ahead of their first knockout round second leg at the Maksimir this forthcoming midweek.
Remember, this year’s Europa League Final will take place at Sevilla’s stadium, adding to their sense of destiny.
Domestically, los Hispalenses are still in with a shout of their first top-flight title since 1946.
Last weekend, quick-fire goals from Papu Gómez and Rafa Mir saw them beat Elche 2-0 at Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.
This means Julen Lopetegui’s side are now only four points behind league-leaders Real Madrid, needing to keep winning to keep pace.
RCD Espanyol meanwhile will not be easy opponents.
Last weekend, Blanquiazules so nearly enjoyed a famous victory over local rivals Barcelona in Derbi barceloní.
Sergi Darder and Raúl de Tomás were both on target at RCDE Stadium but Barça equalised in the sixth minute of added on time.
This actually means Vicente Moreno’s men are winless in five La Liga games, since beating Valencia in dramatic fashion on New Years’ Eve.
As a result, they’ve sunk down to 13th but, having beaten Real Madrid and drawn with Barça at home this season, they’re aiming for another scalp.
Will Sevilla get the win they need in Cornellà de Llobregat?
Espanyol team news
Youngster Nico Melamed and Manu Morlanes were both sent off in the 96th minute of last week’s derby so are both suspended.
Striker Raúl de Tomás has scored 13 La Liga goals this season which is 45% of all the goals Espanyol have managed.
Sergi Darder, the other scorer last Sunday night, often turns it on for the bigger games so will be hoping to do the same here.
Sevilla team news
Given the tight turnaround, and the fact his in injury/unavailable list has shrunk, Julen Lopetegui is likely to rotate.
Érik Lamela and Suso are both injured but that doesn’t mean Sevilla are short in attacking areas.
Papu Gómez and Lucas Ocampos have both been in fine form while Anthony Martial’s midweek goal should see him start over Youssef En-Nesyri.
Tecatito Corona has also started the last three La Liga games, since making the move from FC Porto, but was not in the squad for Thursday’s win.
Jesús Navas is likely to return at right-back with Jules Koundé rejoining Diego Carlos in the middle.
La Liga table:
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