Las Palmas vs Espanyol Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Las Palmas have been much-improved since the appointment of Diego Martinez and they will intend to continue that with a game against struggling Espanyol in the Canary Islands.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday 22nd December, 2024: UK – 5:30pm / US ET – 12:30pm / US PT – 9:30am
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Las Palmas vs Espanyol may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Las Palmas Preview: Exciting Canarians
Following the departure of Garcia Pimienta to Sevilla over the summer, Las Palmas struggled under the management of Luis Carrion at the start of this campaign but they are now propelling themselves up the table with the appointment of former Granada boss Diego Martinez.
The Canary Islanders come into this one on the back of a respectable goalless draw against Real Sociedad at the Anoeta in the Basque Country last weekend. That means they have won seven, drawn one and lost just two matches in the Diego Martinez reign.
Espanyol Preview: Frustrated Catalans
Espanyol gained promotion to the top-flight last season but the Catalans lost manager Luis Garcia to the Qatari national team as he became Tintin Marquez’ assistant. B team coach Manolo Gonzalez was promoted but he is under pressure for his job.
They begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting tucked inside the bottom three and the relegation places. The visitors are now winless in their last four matches across all competitions with that run beginning with a shock loss to Barbastro in the Copa del Rey.
Las Palmas Team News: Polishing rough diamonds
Key men such as Kirian Rodriguez and Sandro Ramirez are enjoying very impressive spells of form since the appointment of Diego Martinez. The hosts are still dealing with a couple of injury issues as Adnan Januzaj remains a doubt due to an ankle issue.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Cillessen; Javier Munoz, Herzog, McKenna, Mika Marmol; Dario Essugo, Kirian Rodriguez; Sandro, Jose Campana, Alberto Moleiro; Silva
Unavailable: Viti Rozada (Injured)
Questionable: Januzaj (Injured)
Espanyol Team News: Couple of absentees
With a limited squad, Espanyol could do with everyone being fully fit and available but that is not the case with midfielder Jose Gragera dealing with illness, whilst the experienced Edu Exposito is unavailable due to an ACL injury.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Joan Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Brian Olivan; Carlos Romero, Smith, Kral, Jofre Carreras; Cheddira, Javi Puado
Unavailable: Jose Gragera (Illness), Edu Exposito (Injured)
Questionable:
Las Palmas vs Espanyol Prediction
Las Palmas have been brilliant since the arrival of Diego Martinez. He himself has heaped praise on previous boss Luis Carrion and suggested that the ingredients were always there for him to thrive and that has been the case with players finding their feet as the season has gone on. Espanyol appear to be one of the likeliest teams to return immediately down to the second-tier and Las Palmas, especially at home, will be confident of yet another three points.
Las Palmas vs Espanyol Tip: Las Palmas to win
