Alaves Vs Espanyol

Two teams fighting to avoid relegation in La Liga will go head-to-head on Saturday afternoon as Alaves hosts Espanyol.

Alaves have accumulated 22 points from 24 league matches this season, placing them 19th in the table, while Espanyol sit in 15th with 24 points from their 24 games.

Alaves, who finished 10th in La Liga last season, have managed to maintain their presence in Spain's top division for seven of the last eight campaigns. However, this season has been significantly more challenging, as they have only managed five wins, seven draws, and 12 defeats, leaving them in a precarious position near the bottom of the standings.

Despite their struggles, Eduardo Coudet’s team remains within reach of safety, trailing 17th-placed Las Palmas by just one point. However, recent form has been concerning, with only two points collected from their last four league outings, including a 3-3 draw against Leganes in their most recent match.

Performances at home have been an issue for Alaves, as they have secured just 13 points from 11 matches in their own stadium. However, they do take some confidence from their previous encounter with Espanyol in the 2021-22 season, where they emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline.

On the other hand, Espanyol, who secured their return to La Liga through the 2023-24 Segunda Division playoffs, claimed a 3-2 victory over Alaves earlier in the current campaign. The Catalan club has had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning three of their last four La Liga clashes against Alaves.

Espanyol approach this fixture following a commendable 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao last weekend. Roberto Fernandez put his team ahead in the 62nd minute, but Oihan Sancet equalized 15 minutes later for a Bilbao side pushing for a top-four finish.

Under Manolo Gonzalez’s guidance, Espanyol have accumulated 24 points from their 24 league games, but their position remains precarious as they are just one point above 18th-placed Valencia. The battle at the bottom of the table remains intense, with six teams fighting to avoid relegation.

Recent results suggest Espanyol have found some stability, having suffered just one defeat in their last six La Liga matches. However, their away form is a major concern, as they have managed only one point from their last nine away fixtures. Their most recent success on the road came in a 1-1 draw against Sevilla on January 25.

The White and Blues have endured a turbulent few years, spending two of the last four seasons in the Segunda Division. Given the effort they put into securing their return to the top flight, another relegation would be a significant setback for the club. With the season entering a crucial phase, both teams are desperate for a positive result in their battle for survival in Spain’s premier division.