Sporting Gijon vs. Espanyol – Prediction and Betting Tips | Jun 9, 2024

On Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 8pm UK time, Sporting Gijon will host Espanyol at Estadio El Molinon for the first leg of their Segunda Division playoff semi-final. With both teams seeking promotion to La Liga, this encounter promises to be a thrilling battle. Espanyol finished fourth in the regular season, four points ahead of fifth-placed Sporting Gijon, setting up an exciting clash for a spot in the playoff final.

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Match Preview

Sporting Gijon have been absent from Spain’s top flight since the 2016-17 campaign. After finishing 17th in the Segunda Division in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, they enjoyed a solid campaign this term, securing fifth place with a record of 18 wins, 11 draws, and 13 defeats from 42 matches, totaling 65 points. Miguel Angel Ramirez’s side ended the regular season strongly, winning three of their final four matches, including victories against Eibar and Eldense.

At home, Sporting Gijon have been relatively solid, collecting 42 points from their 21 matches. However, they will face an Espanyol team that boasts the third-best away record in the division. The Red and Whites triumphed 2-0 over Espanyol in their previous home encounter this season and have only lost once in their last four meetings with the Catalan side.

Espanyol’s relegation from La Liga last season came as a surprise, but they have been working hard to bounce back immediately. They secured fourth place in the Segunda Division with 69 points, just three points behind second-placed Real Valladolid. Manolo Gonzalez’s team is currently on a 16-game unbeaten run, with their last defeat dating back to early February against Racing Santander. Despite too many draws costing them automatic promotion, Espanyol’s resilience has been impressive.

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Team Analysis

Sporting Gijon

Sporting Gijon are likely to be without midfielder Nacho Mendez due to a muscular problem, but they are otherwise in good shape for this contest. Key attackers Gaspar Campos and Juan Otero, who have scored 20 goals between them this season, will be crucial for their playoff hopes. Uros Durdevic, despite scoring only four goals this term, has been a significant presence and should lead the line once again.

Sporting Gijon Possible Starting Lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Yanez
• Defenders: Rosas, Insua, Sanchez, Cote
• Midfielders: Villalba, Martin, Pier, Campos
• Forwards: Otero, Durdevic

Espanyol

Espanyol will be without Edu Exposito due to a ligament injury, and Omar Sadik is also likely to miss out with a hamstring issue. Nico Melamed, who scored off the bench against FC Cartagena, might start, but the rest of the lineup should remain unchanged from their final regular-season game. Martin Braithwaite, the team’s top scorer with 22 goals, will lead the attack, supported by 14-goal winger Javi Puado.

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Espanyol Possible Starting Lineup:

• Goalkeeper: J Garcia
• Defenders: Gil, Calero, Cabrera, Milla
• Midfielders: Bare, Aguado
• Forwards: S Sanchez, Melamed, Puado; Braithwaite

Prediction

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Sporting Gijon 1-1 Espanyol

Justification

Both teams are in strong form, and this match is expected to be closely contested. Sporting Gijon’s home advantage and Espanyol’s solid away record suggest a balanced encounter. Espanyol’s experience and quality in attack with Braithwaite and Puado will be matched by Sporting Gijon’s resilience, leading to a likely draw in the first leg.

Betting Tips

• Both Teams to Score: Yes. Both teams have potent attacking options and are likely to find the net.
• Over/Under 2.5 Full Time: Under 2.5. With the high stakes and both sides focusing on a solid defensive performance, a low-scoring game is likely.
• Hotstat: Espanyol are unbeaten in their last 16 matches.

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