As we head into the final round of LaLiga, Espanyol will host Las Palmas at the RCDE Stadium in what is set to be a crucial match for both sides. Espanyol, currently 17th with 39 points, are battling to avoid relegation and will be keen to secure a victory. Despite being the bookmaker’s favorite, Espanyol’s recent form is concerning, having lost all their last five matches. Espanyol’s star goalkeeper, Joan Garcia, who has been excellent this season with seven clean sheets, is determined to prove his worth amidst transfer speculations.

Las Palmas, sitting 19th with 32 points, are already relegated but will be playing for pride. Notable players like Sergi Cardona, who featured in The Athletic’s Team of the Year, and Fabio Silva, their top scorer with 10 goals, will aim to finish on a high. Both teams have struggled defensively, with neither keeping a clean sheet in their last five games.

Referee Alejandro Muniz will oversee the match, which is expected to kick off under comfortable weather conditions. Given Espanyol’s woes and Las Palmas’ attacking threats, a recommended bet would be Las Palmas +1.25 (AH), acknowledging that Espanyol might not have an edge from the start.

Espanyol vs Las Palmas Prediction & Betting Tip

Given the current form and overall team stats, a recommended bet for this match would be Las Palmas +1.25 (AH).
Espanyol has been struggling, earning just one point in their last six matches. Despite being favorites, they have shown vulnerabilities, especially in the latter stages of games. Las Palmas, although relegated, are still playing for pride and might surprise Espanyol.

Why this prediction is good:

• Espanyol’s recent form has been poor, with no wins in their last five matches.
• Las Palmas have shown they can compete, even though they are relegated.
• Espanyol tend to concede goals late in matches, as seen in their match facts.

Espanyol vs Las Palmas Odds

Espanyol heads into this match as the bookmaker’s favorite, but considering the recent form of both teams, this game could present more challenges than predicted. Below are the odds for the match:

Las Palmas might be the underdog, but their odds suggest a potential for surprising the hosts. History shows that Espanyol concedes late goals, and their recent form is concerning, which could make this game tighter than anticipated. Consider betting on multiple outcomes for robust coverage.

Espanyol Team Analysis

Espanyol Recent Performance

Espanyol’s recent performance has been less than stellar, having lost all of their last five matches. Their average goals scored in these games is a mere 0.60, and they have kept no clean sheets. This run of form has seen them struggle defensively, especially in the latter stages of matches.

These results highlight Espanyol’s current struggles. They are failing to hold out defensively and are making it hard for themselves by not scoring enough. Despite these issues, they have some bright spots, such as Joan Garcia, who has been exceptional in his role as goalkeeper. However, their current form will be a concern heading into this critical match against Las Palmas.

Espanyol Key Players

Espanyol will be looking to their key players to help them secure a vital victory against Las Palmas. One player who could make a significant impact is their top scorer, Javier Puado, who has netted 11 goals this season. Puado’s ability to find the net will be crucial, especially given Espanyol’s struggles in recent matches.

Expected lineup for Espanyol:

• Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
• Defenders: Omar El Hilali, Marash Kumbulla, Fernando Calero, Carlos Romero
• Midfielders: Urko Gonzalez, Pol Lozano, Antoniu Roca, Edu Exposito, Javier Puado
• Forward: Roberto Fernandez

Joan Garcia is another key player to watch, especially as speculation around a potential transfer to Newcastle United heats up. His performance between the sticks could be crucial given Espanyol’s recent defensive woes.

Look out for individual battles, such as Puado facing Las Palmas defender Sergi Cardona, who has also been recognized for his defensive prowess this season.

Espanyol Suspensions & Injuries

Espanyol have a notable injury concern ahead of their crucial match against Las Palmas.

Brian Oliván’s absence due to a foot injury means Espanyol will have to reshuffle their defensive lineup. His potential return is slated for late May 2025, which might be too late for this game. The team must rely on substitutes to fill the gap in defense. No suspensions have been reported, so disciplinary issues won’t be a concern. This could allow Espanyol to focus on leveraging their full squad depth to secure a vital victory in the final round.

Espanyol Tactics and Formation

Espanyol Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Javier Puado (11 goals this season)
• Midfield Trio: Urko Gonzalez, Pol Lozano, Edu Expósito
• Defensive Strength: Joan Garcia, highlighted for his goalkeeping skills, though Espanyol has struggled defensively in their last five matches.
• Notable Strategy: Despite their recent form, Puado and Expósito are expected to lead the offensive plays.

Espanyol will aim to stabilize their defense, given their inability to keep a clean sheet in the last five games. Emphasis will likely be on maintaining structure and exploiting the 76-90-minute interval, where Las Palmas is particularly vulnerable.

Las Palmas Team Analysis

Las Palmas Recent Performance

Las Palmas have been on a dire run of form, losing their last five encounters. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in these matches and have struggled to find the back of the net, averaging just 0.40 goals per game.

The team has conceded an average of 1.6 goals in 37 matches this season, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. With their top scorer Fabio Silva out due to a muscle injury, the offensive burden falls primarily on Oliver McBurnie and Manuel Fuster.

Las Palmas Key Players

Las Palmas are primed to put up a fight in this crucial match despite recent setbacks and injuries. Their lineup will likely hinge on experienced players capable of stepping up in the absence of key figures. With top scorer Fabio Silva sidelined, the spotlight shifts to other critical players.

Expected lineup for Las Palmas:

• Goalkeeper: Dinko Horkas
• Defenders: Viti, Juanma Herzog, Alex Munoz, Scott McKenna
• Midfielders: Dario Essugo, Alberto Moleiro, Marvin Park, Enzo Loiodice
• Forwards: Oliver McBurnie, Manuel Fuster

Oliver McBurnie and Manuel Fuster will be crucial in the attack, tasked with breaching Espanyol’s defense. In midfield, Alberto Moleiro’s playmaking abilities will be key to creating chances, while Scott McKenna will need to marshal the defense effectively to hold off Espanyol’s advances.

Las Palmas Suspensions & Injuries

Las Palmas face significant challenges with key players sidelined due to injuries. The absence of top scorer Fábio Silva, who has netted 10 goals this season, will be a substantial blow to their attacking power. Additionally, Kirian Rodriguez’s viral condition and Stefan Bajčetić’s muscle injury further deplete their options.

These absences will force Las Palmas to rely on other squad members to step up. The injuries may hurt their attacking depth and defensive stability, making it a tough task against Espanyol, especially in this critical final round of La Liga.

Las Palmas Tactics and Formation

Las Palmas Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Oliver McBurnie
• Midfield Duo: Dario Essugo, Enzo Loiodice
• Defensive Strength: Struggled recently with no clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Vulnerable in the 61-75 minute interval; likely to focus on solidifying defense during this period.

Las Palmas tends to deploy a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on a balanced approach with two forwards upfront, Oliver McBurnie being the key player expected to lead the attacking front, especially with Fabio Silva injured. The midfield duo of Dario Essugo and Enzo Loiodice will be crucial in both breaking up Espanyol’s play and initiating counter-attacks.

Given their recent form, Las Palmas will need to tighten their defense, especially during the 61-75 minute interval where they’ve conceded the most. Their tactical approach will likely include a more conservative defensive strategy, aiming to withstand pressure during these critical minutes.

Espanyol vs Las Palmas Head-to-Head Statistics

In their last five encounters, both teams have had varied outcomes. While Espanyol won two matches, Las Palmas claimed victory in two, and one game ended in a draw. This suggests a fairly balanced competition historically.

Odds accurate as of 22 May 2025 at 17:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.