In the upcoming match between Espanyol and Valencia, the home team has a good chance of winning the game. This is mainly due to Valencia's struggles to score against José González Álvarez's team in previous encounters. However, Espanyol's defense has been vulnerable, even when playing at home, which could be a weakness that Valencia can exploit.
On the other hand, Valencia is known to have a problematic defense when playing away from home, which could give Espanyol an opportunity to score and secure a victory. Despite this, the recent head-to-head matches between the two teams have not seen many goals, indicating a potential low-scoring affair.
In terms of form, Valencia has shown a clear superiority over Espanyol, which could give them an edge in the upcoming match. The recent direct clashes between the two teams have resulted in 1 win for the home team, 3 draws, and 1 win for the away team, showing a closely contested rivalry.
Statistically, Espanyol has an average of 0.9 goals scored per game, while Valencia's average is slightly lower at 0.7 goals. Both teams will need to improve their attacking efficiency if they want to secure a win in this match.
Espanyol, coached by José González Álvarez, will need to shore up their defense to prevent Valencia from capitalizing on their vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, Valencia, led by Rubén Baraja, will need to work on their away form to ensure a positive result.
Overall, while Espanyol may have a slight advantage in this match, Valencia's strong form and historical record against their opponents could make this an evenly matched contest. Both teams will need to be at their best to secure a valuable three points in this crucial encounter.