The opening La Liga fixture after the international break sees two struggling sides meet. Málaga are targeting their first victory of the season at La Rosaleda against Espanyol.

Málaga’s faith in youth not paying off

Newly promoted Málaga were beaten by Villarreal and Getafe in their final two games before the internationals. None of their players has scored more than once so far, with their squad looking short on top-flight quality.

Juan Francisco Funes has largely stuck with the youthful core group that delivered in the second tier, but he has also had injuries to deal with. Aarón Ochoa and Julen Lobete are both sidelined until the new year, while Jens Cajuste, Diego Murillo and Moussa Diarra are all rated doubtful.

José Salinas is ineligible to face his parent club Espanyol on Friday night. In better news for the hosts, winger Juan Cruz is fit again. He registered nine goal contributions in La Liga 2024/25 for Leganés and has assisted once in seven outings this term.

Málaga predicted lineup vs Espanyol (4-2-3-1): Herrero; Rafita, Berrocal, Calero, Puga; Martínez, Dotor; Cruz, Lorenzo, Larrubia; Chupe.

Fernández's goals not enough for Espanyol

The form of striker Roberto Fernández has been the main positive for Espanyol this season. His return of six goals from seven appearances earned him a first call-up to the Spain national team.

However, the Catalan club have scored just four goals. They dropped into the bottom six by virtue of a 3-1 home defeat against Elche last time out. Manolo González may consider changes at both ends of the pitch after that poor display.

Kike García is the only confirmed injury absentee for the visitors. Jofre Carreras is an additional doubt, but Javier Hernández has shaken off a fitness issue and should start in an attacking midfield role.

Espanyol predicted lineup vs Málaga (4-2-3-1): Dmitrović; El Hilali, Riedel, Cabrera, Hartman; Moscardo, Expósito; Dolan, Hernández, M. Fernández; R. Fernández.

Málaga vs Espanyol Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Espanyol to win or draw (Double Chance)
  • Odds: 1.51 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Málaga 1-1 Espanyol
  • 22Bet Booking Code: HHR89

Key stats:

  • Málaga are the only team not to win any of their opening seven fixtures in La Liga 2026/27.
  • The hosts are also the lowest scorers in the Spanish top flight, with an average of just 0.43 goals per 90 minutes.
  • Espanyol have won the previous five meetings

Espanyol have won their previous three visits toLa Rosaleda without conceding. They are unbeaten in the 12 meetings overall since the beginning of the 2013/14 season, and they’re a safe pick to avoid defeat again here.

While the other promoted clubs spent heavily, Málaga’s failure to bring in more additions has left them short across the pitch. They’re yet to score more than once this term and their opponents have netted in every match.

Málaga vs Espanyol Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Under 2.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.78 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 61S89

Backing under 2.5 goals offers value at odds of 1.78. That has been a winning bet in 71% of Málaga’s fixtures so far in La Liga 2026/27.

Four of the past five clashes between these clubs on the Costa del Sol have also finished with two or fewer goals. With the hosts currently struggling to create chances, a repeat is expected.

Verdict: Espanyol to win or draw (Double Chance) (1.51) — Málaga 1-1 Espanyol