Leganes vs Espanyol Prediction

Two of LaLiga 2’s top three sides clash on Thursday evening, when Leganes host leaders Espanyol. The visitors are keen to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat by Girona last week, while Jose Lluis Marti’s men target a third successive league victory for only the second time in 2020.

There’s plenty at stake for both as dropped points could see the pair lose ground in an all-too-early race for promotion, but maintaining momentum is paramount ahead of the festive schedule.

So, can either side prevail and take a lead in their tightly-contested H2H? Read my match preview, for the correct score predictions and best betting tips ahead of this fixture.

Leganes vs Espanyol Betting Tips

After a 1-1 draw away at Fuenlabrada and a 2-1 home defeat by Girona, leaders Espanyol will be licking their wounds. They scored first in both matches, yet have dropped five points in two matchdays and a promising early-season advantage atop the standings has disappeared.

Only three points separate them and fourth-placed Sporting, while Almeria in fifth (23 pts) have a game in hand. It’s certainly shaping up to be a very competitive race for promotion this term.

Sekou Gassama’s 87th-minute penalty saw Fuenlabrada snatch a share of the spoils on November 14. Then, late goals from Edgar Barcenas and a Samu Saiz penalty saw Girona steal all three points at the death six days later.

Simply put, they must defend leads much better than they have recently.

Leganes have edged wins over ten-man Alcorcon and Malaga, with Bordeaux loanee Ruben Pardo impressing on his return to Spain. Sabin Merino, who joined on a free in August, has netted goals in successive games for the second time in three months. He’s one to watch.

Leganes vs Espanyol Correct Score Predictions

After eight previous H2H matches, these two sides remain deadlocked (four wins each, no draws). Interestingly, this matchup follows a pattern – one side wins two in a row, then the other does the same.

Leganes won their most recent meetings so theoretically, Espanyol should win – not least as league leaders in Spain’s second-tier. However, things aren’t always as they seem. I’m predicting BTTS, between two promotion contenders who need to win.