Espanyol v Sporting Gijon

Espanyol vs Sporting Gijon Preview

Espanyol successfully completed one half of their two-legged tie against Sporting Gijon as they registered what could prove to be an invaluable 1-0 win away from home against their play-off semi-final opponents at the Estadio Municipal El Molinón which not only extended their unbeaten sequence in the Spanish tier to an impressive 17 games but also gives them a lead to protect ahead of this vital 2nd leg tie at their Stage Front Stadium on Thursday night.

Espanyol now return to their home surroundings for this return leg and along with putting together an impressive 17 games without defeat, Manolo Gonzalez's side have also won three out of their last four games in the Spanish La Liga 2 as well, picking up wins against Real Oviedo, FC Cartagena and the aforementioned 1-0 win away at Sporting Gijon.

Goals may be at a premium though again on Thursday night for this vital return leg as no fewer than 11 of Espanyol's last 17 games overall in La Liga 2 have resulted in Under 2.5 goals, while Espanyol have also kept a total of 10 clean sheets within this period as well which gives them a great chance of achieving another shut-out on Thursday night.

Sporting Gijon have it all to do on Thursday night after last week's disappointing 1-0 defeat in the 1st leg of this play-off semi-final at their Estadio Municipal El Molinón and the visitors must now score at least once in order to force this tie into extra-time or twice in order to win this tie outright.

Recent results suggest this could be easier said than done as Sporting Gijon have managed to pick up just three wins out of their last eight games overall in the Spanish second tier, two of which were achieved on home soil with wins against FC Andorra and Eibar, while the other win was a 1-0 win away from home at Eldense.

However, Sporting Gijon have also slipped to four defeats within this inconsistent looking eight-game period which has seen Miguel Angel Ramirez's side handed defeats by the likes of Elche, Villarreal B, Leganes and last week's loss to Espanyol.

Positive results away from home have also been something of a struggle for Sporting Gijon as the visitors have managed to capture just three wins from their last 13 outings on the road with wins at Tenerife, Mirandes and Eldense, along with being dealt seven defeats as well.

Espanyol v Sporting Gijon Verdict

Espanyol have lost just once in their previous eight encounters against Sporting Gijon and having picked up four wins within this period as well, Espanyol look to hold the edge once again in this 2nd leg as well.

Therefore, our main bet will be Espanyol win @ 1.95

Other side bets worth considering:

Espanyol win & Under 2.5 goals @ 4.00

Correct Score: Espanyol 2-0 @ 8.50