For the last two decades, Barcelona and Real Madrid have dominated La Liga with occasional patches of great form from Atletico Madrid. Those three teams have been expected to finish 1-2-3 for sometime now, and that was certainly the case once again this year. However, in a surprising twist, Espanyol and Sevilla are sitting in second and third in the standings through 11 games. This isn’t a huge surprise for Sevilla, as they have occasionally challenged the top teams, but Espanyol is a team no one saw here at the start of the season.
Don't miss the Spanish La Liga action from Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Sevilla, Spain at 12:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 11, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on beIN Sports.
La Liga Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Espanyol +339
Sevilla -123
Draw +270
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Odds Analysis
Sevilla have been fantastic this season. They were in first place prior to the last international break, and they have kept up their hot start. They are the second-most prolific team in La Liga in terms of goals behind Barcelona, and that has been the driving force behind their great start. Sevilla have tallied 22 goals this season, and they were able to hammer Levante, Real Madrid, and Eibar and clip Celta Vigo in recent weeks. However, losing to Barcelona in Camp Nou and a draw against Real Sociedad moved them from first to third.
It’s a great time to be a Catalan with Barcelona leading the league and Espanyol in second place. Espanyol have long lived in the shadow of Barcelona, but they have received a number of accolades for their defensive prowess thus far. They have given up just eight goals in 11 matches, and that has led to wins over more established teams like Valencia and Villarreal. It has been six weeks since they last failed to get a result, and that consistency has paid off.
Injury Report
Sevilla might be without a number of players in this clash. Center back Simon Kjaer and back line mate Gabriel Mercado are both questionable due to strained hamstrings. Forward Wissam Ben Yedder is also questionable due to a strained hamstring, and Andre Silva is questionable as well because of a thigh injury. There is good news though as midfielder Maxime Gonalons appears set to make a return from a broken leg suffered earlier in the campaign.
Edinaldo Gomes Naldo has been scratched due to a hamstring injury picked up last week, and he will be sidelined for the next month. Espanyol may not have midfielder Hernan Perez available either and he is listed as questionable with a strained hamstring, but center back Mario Hermoso is listed as probable to play through a rib injury.
Matchup to Watch
Most people watching this game will be interested in seeing if Sevilla are able to break down Espanyol’s defense. Hermoso has been fantastic this year for Espanyol, maturing rapidly in the center back role, and that earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team for the upcoming international break. He has paired well with David Lopez, and the two will look to keep a diverse attack at bay.
Sevilla’s offense has improved drastically under Pablo Machin. Ben Yedder was in the doghouse of the previous manager, but he has been unleashed here, and Ever Banega is playing much better as well. However, the addition of Andre Silva from AC Milan has been huge. Silva leads the team with seven goals, and he has formed bonds with Banega and Ben Yedder up front.
La Liga Prop Bet – Under 2 and 2.5 +142
I have more faith in Espanyol’s defense than Sevilla’s attack in this one. Espanyol held Real Madrid to one goal in the Bernabeu, and they have proven they can shut down any defense outside of Barcelona’s in Spain.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I believe Sevilla will eventually get the goal they need for the win, but it will be hard-fought.
Spanish La Liga Odds: Sevilla 1, Espanyol 0
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