This evening, Espanyol face their first of two ‘finals’ before the Christmas break, a match in which the only objective is to secure victory. They face a struggling Valencia, last in the table and with four points less than the Pericos.
Therefore, the term ‘final’ is absolutely appropriate, as both teams have a lot to lose, and the three points up for grabs are crucial. Coach Manolo González, looking for solutions to keep the team afloat, needs a success to break the negative streak that has afflicted the club in this disastrous month of December.
Salvation depends on his performances, as he is currently third in the standings with 14 points, only two behind Alavés, first in the safety zone. The Pericos have suffered two consecutive defeats (one in the Cup against Barbastro and the other in La Liga against Getafe) and a draw, the last one obtained last Saturday in the RCDE stadium. Today they return to their facility, in what is the last match of the year, where they must regain their strength, making the RCDE Stadium a fundamental fortress for their stay in La Liga. This evening, facing a direct opponent, they will once again have to prove their worth in front of a disappointed and frustrated crowd after Saturday’s match. Despite the unfavorable time, the fans will make themselves heard, and their support will be crucial. In view of the match against Valencia, previously postponed due to the tragedy caused by DANA which hit the Valencian Community, Manolo González has mixed news. On the one hand, he reacquires two key players, Omar and Jofre, who were suspended in the match against Osasuna. On the other hand, they have to give up Pol Lozano, who was booked during the last match, a considerable loss for his role as a starter in the midfield in the last few games.
The coach has several alternatives available to replace the pivot, alongside Král. With the absence of Lozano and Gragera, still recovering, Manolo may have to draw on the youth sector; in fact, both Rafa Bauza and Justin are capable of occupying Pol’s place. Another possibility is represented by Aguado, although the Andalusian footballer has not recently been included in the coach’s plans, having not demonstrated the required level. The main uncertainties concern the midfield, while Omar will return in defence, keeping the formation stable. In attack, Jofre will resume his starting place, with Antoniu Roca who could repeat himself after a positive performance against Osasuna, and the presence of Cheddira cannot be ruled out if Manolo decides to strengthen the attack. On the other hand, Valencia is preparing to face the match with great urgency, having recently achieved the record of being last in the table. Rubén Baraja, despite growing criticism and the risk of being sacked, will still sit on the bench, aware that a new defeat could mark the end of his role. Valencia’s injury list grows with the addition of Rafa Mir, who will not return to play until the end of the year. Baraja is trying to shake up the team, also experimenting with Luis Rioja as a left back in Gayà’s absence. Today he will continue to make changes, considering the inclusion of André Almeida as second striker.
