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5 bold La Liga predictions: Espanyol and Sevilla draw in battle of the contenders

By Benjamin Barkworth

MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 05: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona in action during a FC Barcelona press conference and training session at San Siro Stadium on November 5, 2018 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Lukasz Laskowski/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 05: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona in action during a FC Barcelona press conference and training session at San Siro Stadium on November 5, 2018 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Lukasz Laskowski/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 3: Guido Carrillo of Leganes, Rodrigo Tarin of Leganes during the La Liga Santander match between Leganes v Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque on November 3, 2018 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 3: Guido Carrillo of Leganes, Rodrigo Tarin of Leganes during the La Liga Santander match between Leganes v Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque on November 3, 2018 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

3. Leganes surprise Girona for first away win

Girona are unbeaten since the international break with seven points from three games. The last match saw them stand resolute in the face of relentless pressure from Valencia, who just weren’t able to break them down. Pere Pons made them pay with a goal just after halftime. However, it was more of a case of poor finishing and inspired goalkeeping than a defensive masterclass from the Catalonian side.

Leganes have been reliant on their home form so far with eight points in five games. That isn’t impressive on its own, but they’ve managed to beat Barcelona at the Butarque as well as drawing with Atletico. They’re the only side yet to win away from home in the league, though. This needs to improve or they’ll be strong relegation candidates.

Top scorer Cristhian Stuani and Juanpe Ramirez could return for Girona, but Aday Benitez, Johan Mojica, Portu and Douglas Luiz are all unavailable, so this is a weakened side which Leganes can take advantage of.

The onus will be on Girona to break down Leganes, whereas they usually like to concede possession and catch teams on the counter or force mistakes high up the pitch. Los Pepineros have only conceded more than one goal in three games with the 4-1 to Real Madrid skewing their defensive numbers. Girona have also been prone to conceding goals from crosses and set pieces, which means Guido Carrillo will be an absolute nightmare for them to deal with and he can grab the winner.

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