Bilbao vs. Espanyol: Preview and betting tips

Bilbao welcomes Espanyol to La Liga on Monday. The clash between the Basque and the Catalan club will be a classic mid-table match. What to expect from the match and what to bet on?

Bilbao went up after the New Year. It has gained seven points from the last three rounds, knocking both Barcelona and Real Madrid out of the Spanish Cup. They are eighth in the table, three points behind sixth place in the cup.

Espanyol are in the opposite position, having gained just one point from the last three rounds and dropping to thirteenth in the table. Nevertheless, they can stay calm, they still have a comfortable nine-point lead on the relegation zone.

Iñaki Williams, the club’s icon, is the home side’s top scorer, he has netted five times in La Liga, adding two assists. Talented offensive midfielder Oihan Sancet has scored four times, adding three goal assists.

Raúl de Tomás is having an excellent season for the visitors, the Spanish international striker has scored twelve times and assisted twice. Midfielder and former U21 international Sergi Darder has a 1+4 record.

Despite their good form, Bilbao’s attack is not working too well, scoring more than one goal in only two of their last six games. Of all the teams in the first half of the table, the Basque club has scored the fewest goals (21).

Espanyol are on fire defensively, getting ten goals in their last four games through all competitions. Given the good mood in the home team’s squad after the elimination of Real Madrid, I think Bilbao will win.