Just six points separated Sevilla and Espanyol in the final La Liga table last season. Both sides qualified for the Europa League and the clubs have high expectations going into the new term.
Sevilla made several moves in the offseason including the hiring of new manager Julen Lopetegui. The former Spain national team and Real Madrid boss is looking to resurrect his career after a poor 18 months in football.
The club also brought in a host of new players including Moanes Dabour, Luuk de Jong, and Lucas Ocampos. Sevilla also moved out a host of players. The team could struggle early on due to a lack of familiarity amongst its playing staff.
However, sporting director Monchi has been known to bring mass numbers of players in and sell off established stars to keep the profits rising.
Espanyol manager David Gallego will hope for more of the same this season. Espanyol secured 53 points while scoring 48 goals and conceding 50. If there is one area Espanyol can improve on it is in front of goal.
Last season saw Espanyol tally 48 goals. It was the lowest number of goals of any team in the final top seven of La Liga.
Espanyol are winless against Sevilla in their last four matches in La Liga. Their last victory against Sevilla came at home in 2017. On that occasion, Gallego’s team won 3-1 thanks to goals from Jose Antonio Reyes, Marc Navarro, and Gerard Moreno.
Nine of the last 15 meetings between Espanyol and Sevilla in all competitions saw both teams score goals. Meanwhile, 10 of those 15 encounters ended with over 2.5 goals scored.
Gallego will be without two injured players to start the season at the RCDE Stadium. Pablo Piatti and David Lopez have both been ruled out of the match. Gallego could have Adria Pedrosa back from injury in time for Sunday’s fixture, however.
Sevilla have just one player absence issue with Ever Banega suspended for the fixture. Lopetegui is likely to hand La Liga debuts to both De Jong and Ocampos after they impressed in preseason.
Tomorrow: La Liga 🔥 #FJ21 pic.twitter.com/F5NedQmxBQ— Frenkie de Jong (@DeJongFrenkie21) August 15, 2019
Tomorrow: La Liga 🔥 #FJ21 pic.twitter.com/F5NedQmxBQ
Unlike Sevilla, Espanyol started their season in the Europa League qualifying rounds. The Barcelona-based club defeated Stjarnan 7-1 in the second qualifying round before beating Luzern 6-0 in the third qualifying round.
Espanyol are in-form and it will help them defeat a new-look Sevilla at home on opening day. The two sides should once again combine for over 2.5 goals with both finding the back of the net. Espanyol will keep their winning form going to start the term.