Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 25/02/2020, 16:49  by James | Modified on 25/02/2020 at 17:49 in LaLiga Predictions

Atletico Madrid are in La Liga action this weekend when they travel to play Espanyol at the Estadio Cornellà-El Prat on Sunday. Third in the table after a string of positive results, Atletico will be confident that they can continue their good form against one of the weakest clubs in the division, a team five points from safety in 19th place. Few could have foreseen this fate for Espanyol when they finished seventh in La Liga last season. However, the summer transfer window saw several key players leave and they clearly weren't replaced adequately. A dreadful first half of the season behind them, 2020 has been kinder to Espanyol. Only two defeats in their last seven matches (the other results being two wins and three draws) hints that a corner has been turned. Goals are a problem for Espanyol, both scoring and conceding them, the latter being a primary concern. The leakiest team in the division (having conceded 44 goals in 25 games), they have kept three clean sheets all season, the most recent coming in their last home match.

After losing on their last two visits to Espanyol, Atletico boss Diego Simeone won't take a win for granted. Atletico have struggled away from home this season, only winning three of their 12 league matches on the road. The biggest reason for this is their failure to convert dominance into goals. Record signing Joao Felix has not adapted as hoped (still plenty of time for him) while leading scorer Alvaro Morata (on seven goals) has a bad habit of fluffing his lines. With three wins from their last four games, Atletico look strong and we feel confident about backing them to win a low-scoring encounter. Put a bet on the visitors to win 1-0.