Racing vs Espanyol – News and Probable Lineups

This Saturday, two teams struggling with form will clash in España’s top league, as Racing de Santander host Espanyol at Campos de Sport de El Sardinero.

Currently, Racing finds themselves in 17th place in the La Liga standings, accumulating eight points from their first nine matches, while Espanyol is situated 16th in the league, sharing the same total of eight points.

Match overview

Racing has recorded a total of two wins, two draws, and five losses from their nine league games this season, which has left them at 17th position in the standings as they head into the upcoming fixtures.

The Green and Whites are the current champions of the Segunda Division, and their primary objective this season will likely be to maintain their status at this level of competition.

Entering this fixture, Jose Alberto Lopez’s team comes off a 2-0 loss against Osasuna, which followed a 2-2 draw with Valencia on October 11.

Racing has not celebrated a victory since their 2-1 win over Alaves on September 12, managing to secure merely one point from their last four outings at this level.

When these two teams last faced each other in February 2024, the Green and Whites emerged victorious with a 2-0 result.

This encounter will be their first La Liga clash since March 2012, when Espanyol claimed a 3-1 victory, and in three of their last four meetings, the Catalan side has emerged triumphant.

Espanyol, on the other hand, also has two wins, two draws, and five defeats from their nine league games this season. With eight points, they are sitting in 16th place in the league.

The team managed by Manolo Gonzalez will be entering this game following a 1-0 home defeat to Atletico Madrid, and they have obtained only one point from their previous four matches.

It has been a challenging period for Espanyol, as they have not won in España’s top flight since they triumphed 2-0 at Osasuna on September 12.

After this match, both clubs will turn their focus to the Copa del Rey, with Espanyol set to face Sestao and Racing gearing up to take on Ribadesella.

Team News

Racing will need to assess Simon Eriksson, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, but apart from that, the home side appears to be in good condition ahead of their encounter with Espanyol.

Yassir Zabiri has been impressive this season, netting seven goals in nine games, and the 21-year-old is expected to play a significant role in the attacking lineup.

Meanwhile, the experienced Sergio Canales is set to retain his position as the playmaker.

Espanyol will be without Kike Garcia due to injury, and there will be a late fitness check on Jofre Carreras before a final decision is made.

The in-form Roberto Fernandez has scored six goals in nine appearances and will be a crucial part of the attacking setup for Espanyol.

Additionally, Bryan Zaragoza is anticipated to start in a forward position.

Racing de Santander probable starting XI:

With a certificate; Mantilla, Ramon, Belocian, Salinas; Martin, Prati; Martin, Canales, Vicente; to Zabi

Espanyol probable starting XI:

Fortune; Riedel, Drkusic, Cabrera; El Hilali, Exposito, Lozano, Hinojo; Zaragoza, Fernandez, Hernandez

Both teams have strong arguments to clinch the victory, with quality available in the attacking zones, but a low-scoring draw is anticipated as a possible outcome.