Espanyol, who have already been relegated to Segunda Division for next season, will host 16th-placed America at the Cornella-El Prat Stadium on Sunday at 19:00 GMT in a relegation six-pointer.
Espanyol have come up short this season, and they will have to fight for their way back to La Liga in the Segunda Division next season. However, they have an opportunity to demonstrate their potential of regaining promotion next season by signing off with a win over relegation-battling Almeria.
Almeria, with 40 points and 16th on the table, are just a point above the relegation zone and must win their last match away to relegated Espanyol to ensure their survival in La Liga.
Key Highlights
Espanyol Have Come Up Short This Season
Espanyol are unbeaten in their last three matches, with a win and two draws. They have collected five points out of the available nine, demonstrating the fine margins for staying in La Liga or getting relegated.
They sit 19th on the table, five points from safety. The two draws in their last two matches, 3-3 at home to Atletico Madrid and 2-2 away to Valencia, have been costly as they sought to secure their La Liga status.
Despite the challenges of these last two draws, their overall season has been short of their expectations. This is especially because the team failed to kick on from last season when they were involved in another relegation fight, finishing the season just four points above the drop zone.
Espanyol will go into the final match of their La Liga season with nothing to play for but pride; they will look to sign off with a win in front of the home fans as they look to keep them onside in preparation for the promotion fight in the Segunda Division next season.
Bet hereAlmeria Have to Win their Last Match to Survive in La Liga
Almeria are not out of the woods yet regarding their relegation fight. They need to win their last match of the season at Espanyol to ensure their survival.
However, if they lose and other results go against them, they could find themselves in the relegation zone at the end of the final day.
Almeria’s form has been patchy in recent matches; they have won twice, drawn once, and lost two times in the last five outings. This inconsistency has cost them a comfortable position at this time of the season.
Almeria will look to win away to Espanyol on Sunday to secure their La Liga status; it is in their hands.
Injury Report
Espanyol
Central midfielder Keidi Bare is sidelined for the clash against Almeria on Sunday. The 25-year-old is out with a ruptured ankle ligament; he has been on the sidelines since December 21, 2022, and has missed 25 matches for Espanyol.
Almeria
Almeria will be without centre-forward El Bilal Touré. The 21-year-old forward is sidelined with a muscle injury. Touré has been missing in action since March 21, 2023, and has missed 11 matches for Almeria.
Possible Lineups
Espanyol
F. Pacheco; Brian Olivan, L. Cabrera, S. Gomez, C. Montes, O. Gil; D. Suarez, S. Darder, J. Puado; N. Melamed, Joselu
Almeria
Fernando; A. Pozo, R. Ely, S. Babic, A. Centelles; G. Melero, S. Costa, L. Robertone; Lazano, D. Sousa, A. Embarba
Prediction
Espanyol, playing at home and with the pressure of playing for anything removed, will look to dominate the match, boss possession, and create chances by passing from the back and controlling the tempo from midfield.
With a lot riding on the result, Almeria will look to win the match. They will defend deep and in numbers and attack in transitions.
A draw is the likely result in this match, with shared points for the two sides.
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