Real Madrid vs Espanyol. Prediction and Betting Tips for La Liga

Real Madrid need to overcome a nine-point deficit in order to defend the title. It will be extremely hard to do with just 14 games left to go. Club's boss Carlo Ancelotti said that season is long and everything is possible, while Dani Ceballos added that «Madrid will fight until the end». Team surely needs an improvement after a two-game winning streak. Club drew to Betis (0:0) in the most recent game. 

Los Blancos have a good chance for a victory in the upcoming game, because team won all nine latest home matches and conceded no goals in seven last ones. The Whites suffered the most recent defeat to Espanyol back on 1996. After 24 matches, hosts have 16 victories and five draws, delivering 53 points and a 2nd position in the standings. 

Alaba, Mendy, Lunin and Benzema will miss the upcoming fixture. 

Approaching the international break,Espanyol gained momentum, but a 1:2 defeat to Valladolid was a hard blow to take. Team is getting closer to the relegation zone and competition is pretty high in the lower half of the standings, so every team is in danger. 

Prior to a recent defeat, the Budgerigars were in a solid form, losing only one of six away games, so team has the ability to get a positive result. After 24 matches, Catalan side has six victories and ten draws, delivering 27 points and a 13th position in the standings. 

Olivan, Pedrosa, Gori, Gomez and Bare will miss the upcoming game.