Espanyol vs Real Oviedo Prediction: Host can find second-half success

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Espanyol vs Real Oviedo Preview:

Espanyol are still awaiting their first victory of 2026. They won’t get any better opportunity to put three points on the board than a home game against rock-bottom Real Oviedo, who are firmly on course for relegation from La Liga.

The hosts enjoyed a brilliant first half of the season, which saw them wildly exceed all expectations. Manolo González’s side excelled from set-piece situations and kept it tight at the back as they gatecrashed the top five to mount an unexpected European challenge.

There was always a sense that their great form would not last, but their demise since the turn of the year has been every bit as spectacular as their initial rise. The Pericos have picked up just three points from nine matches, since beating Athletic Club 1-0 away in their final game of 2025.

The main difference has been the cracks that have suddenly appeared in their defence. The Catalans have conceded 2.44 goals per 90 minutes this calendar year, compared to exactly one goal per game prior to that. There have been no significant personnel changes or defensive injuries, so Manolo will be scratching his head at the scale of the turnaround.

Espanyol’s long wait for a win did come very close to ending last time out. A fifth strike of the season from their talented left-back Carlos Romero put them 2-1 up at Elche, in a game marred by allegations of racism made by Omar El Hilali against Rafa Mir. The latter went on to score the decisive penalty for Los Franjiverdes in the 90th minute, which ensured the points were shared.

Despite their poor run, Espanyol do remain in contention for a European place, and their problems certainly don’t compare to those of Real Oviedo. The visitors are propping up the table with only 17 points, and it’s very hard to see how they survive from this position.

A 3-0 defeat in a rearranged game against Rayo Vallecano in midweek felt like the final nail in their coffin. The Asturians were furious when the initial fixture was called off due to problems with the pitch at the Estadio de Vallecas. Rayo were in poor form at the time, and Oviedo pushed to have the points awarded to them, but their appeals were rebuffed and they put in one of their worst performances of a difficult campaign last Wednesday.

Prior to that, improvements were evident under the guidance of Guillermo Almada, their third coach of the season. A 1-0 victory over Girona in January offered a glimmer of hope, but all too often they’ve competed well only to concede late goals.

Oviedo spurned a lead to lose 2-1 at home to Athletic in their next match, while they then wasted a two-goal advantage in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Real Sociedad. A 94th-minute strike from Julián Alvarez was the only goal in their last home match against Atlético Madrid.

Team News: 

After a heated clash with Elche, Espanyol are missing two players to suspension on Monday night. Edu Expósito and Charles Pickel are the two to miss out, while Manolo may consider other changes.

Javi Puado is the only definite injury absentee for the hosts. They also have a fitness doubt over back-up winger Antoniu Roca.Real Oviedo will be missing four players due to injury. The sidelined quartet are David Costas, Thiago Borbas, Leander Dendoncker and Lucas Ahijado.

Almada has been relatively consistent with his team selections until this point, but he may also think about changes after a poor showing in Madrid last week. Fede Viñas has been in good form and should continue up top, while Ilyas Chaira and Haissem Hassan are expected to offer the wide threat.