Real Madrid vs Espanyol
A high-scoring encounter is expected as Espanyol arrive in the Spanish capital
Real Madrid are back in action this weekend following their narrow victory in the Champions League in midweek.
Los Blancos are facing a bit of a defensive crisis, and Xabi Alonso may be forced to name a patched-up back-line on Saturday afternoon. Trent Alexander-Arnold lasted just four minutes in midweek before being forced off with injury, whereas former Bournemouth man Dean Huijsen is suspended for this clash. Furthermore, Antonio Rudiger is unlikely to be fit enough to face Espanyol this weekend.
That leaves Alonso's men a little short at the back, and it remains to be seen who will partner Eder Militao in the middle.
Furthermore, the game will come too soon for Jude Bellingham, who is back in training this week alongside Endrick.
The league leaders are unbeaten so far this season, although the strength of opposition has to be factored into the equation. They fell behind when hosting Mallorca here previously and also endured a nervy finish against Real Sociedad last weekend. Marseille were also able to find a way through, and the French side created several decent opportunities at this venue.
There tend to be plenty of goals whenever Espanyol visit this ground. The Catalan outfit has scored eight times already this season, and Pere Milla has already notched on three occasions.
They've lost 3-1 and 4-1 in their two previous visits here and rarely concede fewer than three goals. Their defence was unable to preserve their 2-0 lead at Sociedad recently, and it's hard to imagine them keeping the hosts at arm's length for 90 minutes.
Their average xGA is 1.78 so far; however, they're also creating plenty of opportunities, and this could be a thoroughly entertaining contest.
Jack’s football journey began in the early 2000s at Bloomfield Road, sparking a lifelong passion for the EFL and beyond. With over a decade of writing and tipping experience, he delivers sharp insights and value-driven betting advice across football, darts, tennis, and horse racing.
When he’s not analysing stats, Jack is on commentary duty for Stoke City and occasionally heard at Owlerton Greyhound Stadium. Based in Leeds, he’s as reliable with a brew as he is with a bet.