Sevilla vs Espanyol prediction: match preview and lineups
On Saturday, May 9, at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in Seville, the 35th round of La Liga will see a crucial showdown. Sevilla hosts Espanyol in one of the most intense clashes at the tail end of the season, with both teams desperately fighting to retain their top-flight status.
Match preview
Sevilla, now led by Luis Garcia Plaza (who replaced Almeida in March), find themselves in a critical situation, sitting 17th with 37 points. The team is just a single point above the relegation zone, and every home match has become a do-or-die final. However, last round’s victory over Real Sociedad (1-0), thanks to a goal from Alexis Sanchez, gave the Andalusians a much-needed breath of fresh air. Garcia Plaza has relied on the experience of his veterans and a more pragmatic defensive approach, which has started to pay off. The return of Djibril Sow after suspension will add steel to the midfield, though the loss of young Bueno to injury slightly limits their rotation.
Manolo Gonzalo’s Espanyol sits in 13th place with 39 points. Despite a more comfortable position, the Parakeets haven’t yet secured their safety. After a defeat to Real Madrid (0-2) at the start of May, the team looks mentally drained, especially given their poor form: they haven’t won in 17 matches. In 2026, Espanyol has become an extremely compact side, looking for their chances almost exclusively on the counter through Milla and Roberto Fernandez.
Tactically, Sevilla will look to seize control from the opening whistle, trying to break down Espanyol’s low defensive block by utilizing Ejuke’s activity on the flank. Espanyol will set up a five-man defensive line, counting on Dmitrovic’s prowess in goal and the occasional counterattack.
This match is of massive importance for Sevilla: a win could virtually guarantee their survival, considering their rivals’ upcoming fixtures. In situations like this, the Sanchez-Pizjuan faithful become the team’s twelfth man. Espanyol’s away performances have been too passive, and that could prove fatal against a highly motivated Sevilla.
Probable lineups
Sevilla: Vlachodimos – Carmona, Castrin, Salas, Suazo – Sanchez, Gudelj, Agoume, Vargas – Romero, Maupay
Espanyol: Dmitrovic – El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero – Gonzalez, Exposito – Ngonge, Terrats, Milla – K Garcia
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the last five matches, Sevilla has recorded three wins, one draw, and Espanyol has one victory
- Sevilla has won three of their last ten matches, losing five times
- Espanyol are winless in their last 17 games: they’ve lost 11 of those
Prediction
Given the head-to-head history and the current form of both teams, I’m expecting a high-scoring encounter. My prediction: both teams to score – YES at 1.9
