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The second round of the Spanish La Liga will open up with the game between Villarreal and Espanyol Barcelona, to be played at El Madrigal.
Villarreal underwent a lot of changes in the off season, selling top players like Vietto or Giovanni Dos Santos, but also making a lot of signings – most notably Soldado, whose debut goal gave Villarreal a point in the first round. The Yellow Submarine did not show a very high level of football in the first round against Betis (1-1), proving that all these movements in the lineup will need time to produce the goods.
Espanyol also had a rather busy transfer window, but they didn`t seem to bring in quality players in order to compensate for the sales of Stuani, Casilla or Sergio Garcia. However, the Catalans started this season in solid fashion, with a good old 1-0 home win against Getafe. Espanyol looks set to be the same feisty, organized team like in the last season and they could mage some damage even against the top sides on their day.
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Team news & lineups:
Bruno, Musacchio and Asenjo are out for Villarreal, while Espanyol can field the best lineup – ALvaro Gonzalez is the only (slight) doubt.
Villarreal: Areola – Gaspar, Bailly, Ruiz, Costa – Nahuel, Pina, Trigueros, Castillejo – Soldado, Baptistao
Espanyol: Pau – Arbilla, Gonzalez, Railo, Duarte – Lopez, Sanchez – Perez, Sevilla, Burgui, Caicedo
Villarreal needs some time to gain chemistry and they might not get the expected results so early in the season. They also miss some key players, so this could be a tricky match against a rugged Espanyol team. The visitors are not the side to be weakened by 1 or 2 players leaving, as their main weapon is tactical consistency and disciplined. Espanyol performed well in the opening round and they should be competitive today. If Villarreal does not play better than in the first round, I do not believe they can win. Even if they do play better football, it should still be a closely contested encounter.
My tip is Espanyol +1 asian handicap. The odds on Villarreal to win are just ridiculous at ~ 1.50 and it`s no wonder they are going up fast. Prediction: Villarreal – Espanyol 1-1.
Pick: Espanyol (+1 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.92 @ Sbobet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 6.44
Event date: 28 August
