A manager in the stands and no home win since matchday one: Espanyol’s awkward start under Sarabia
Espanyol sacked Manolo González after the Copa del Rey exit at Sestao River and appointed Eder Sarabia on a deal until 2028. He will not be on the bench for a while yet: Sarabia is still serving the remainder of a four-match ban imposed for comments about referees during his time at Elche, so Jon López and Aitor Unzué will lead the team from the touchline on Saturday. The 1-0 win at Villarreal last week, with six academy players in the starting XI, ended a three-game league losing run, but Espanyol have not won at the RCDE Stadium since the first matchday.
„He is taking steps forward. When we think it is the right moment, he will return.“ – Antonio Hidalgo on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (via Comuniate, translated from Spanish)
Predicted lineups: Espanyol vs Deportivo
Roger Hinojo, who started at Villarreal, is suspended for yellow-card accumulation, and Kike García is out until the new year with a hamstring tendon tear. Jofre Carreras is still struggling with adductor discomfort. Deportivo are expected to repeat the XI that beat Osasuna on Monday, which would be the first time Hidalgo has named an unchanged side this season. Aubameyang is building his minutes back up after injury and is likely to start on the bench.
Espanyol Team News & Preview
Espanyol’s home record is the root of their problems: one win, one draw and three defeats from five league games at the RCDE Stadium, with six goals scored. Their attack generates only 1.00 expected goal per match and 3.4 shots on target, and Roberto Fernández, with six goals, has scored almost half of their league total. The Villarreal win was welcome, but it came from a single Leandro Cabrera goal, set up by Bryan Zaragoza, and plenty of defending.
The off-field picture is unsettled. A new manager who cannot coach from the touchline, a suspended regular in Hinojo and an injury to Kike García, their other senior striker, leave the interim staff with limited options. Edu Expósito has been the side’s most consistent performer, but the creative burden on him is heavy.
What works for or against Espanyol
- Won 1-0 at Villarreal last week to end a three-game losing run.
- One home league win in five, and none since the opening matchday.
- Sarabia is banned from the touchline and Hinojo is suspended.
- Only 1.00 expected goals per game.
Deportivo Team News & Preview
The promoted side have settled well. Deportivo sit eighth with 14 points, three more than Espanyol, and Monday’s 2-1 win over Osasuna, with goals from Mario Soriano and Bil Nsongo, followed a 3-0 cup win at Auriense. Their numbers back up the position: 1.27 expected goals per game and only 1.17 against, both better than Espanyol’s.
The away record is the part that needs watching. Deportivo have won one, drawn two and lost two on the road, scoring seven and conceding eight, so they have not yet travelled with authority. Aubameyang’s return gives Hidalgo a finisher to bring on late, and Yeremay remains the player most likely to create something from nothing.
What works for or against Deportivo
- Won their last two games, including 2-1 against Osasuna on Monday.
- Better xG and xG against than Espanyol.
- Only one away league win in five.
- Played on Monday, so they have had several days less rest than Espanyol.
Espanyol vs Deportivo Odds
Match Result
Double Chance
Handicap
Over/Under
Both Teams to Score
Half-Time/Full-Time
Espanyol vs. Deportivo A Coruña Stats Comparison
Show Recent Results
Espanyol vs. Deportivo A Coruña Form Guide
Espanyol Form, Stats & Data
Espanyol have scored more than their chances suggest, 13 goals from 11 expected, and conceded slightly less than they have allowed. Even with that slice of luck, they are 14th. A side creating one expected goal per game, with no recognised senior striker beyond Roberto, is not one I want to trust as a favourite.
Deportivo A Coruña Form, Stats & Data
Deportivo’s figures are those of a well-organised top-half side: positive xG difference, more shots on target per game than Espanyol and a settled XI. Their goals record is almost exactly in line with their chances, so I see no warning signs of a side due a correction.
Espanyol vs Deportivo: Prediction & Betting Tip
The odds have Espanyol as favourites, but I think that rests on home advantage and the Villarreal result more than on anything else. Deportivo create more, concede less and come into the game with a settled XI, while Espanyol are missing their coach on the touchline, a suspended regular and a senior striker, and have not won at home since the opening matchday.
The counter-argument is Deportivo’s away form and the short turnaround after Monday’s game, and a draw is a realistic outcome in a match between two sides who do not score many. That is why I am not backing Deportivo to win outright. Deportivo Draw No Bet at 2.23 with Winz is my bet at 3/10, and I expect a 1-0 away win.