class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>The 13-time European champions have lacked a cutting edge in their last couple of matches yet they should be able to overcome Los Pericos on Sunday
Real Madrid travel to Barcelona on Sunday to face Espanyol in La Liga with Carlo Ancelotti’s men aiming to bounce back from their midweek Champions League embarrassment.
Los Blancos were beaten 2-1 at home by Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol in one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history, a result which has stalled the positive momentum Madrid had built up at the start of the season.
Espanyol vs Real Madrid latest odds
Espanyol come into the game having won just one of their seven matches so far this season and bet365 offer the hosts at 4/1 (5.00) to record an upset this weekend.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are offered at 4/6 (1.65) with the draw available at 3/1 (4.00).
Espanyol vs Real Madrid team news
The visitors are still without injured full-backs Dani Carvajal, Marcelo and Ferland Mendy while in attack Gareth Bale remains a long-term absentee.
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The hosts are also without some important players as defender Fernando Calero is missing, along with midfielder Yangel Herrera and winger Javi Puado.
Espanyol vs Real Madrid preview
Los Blancos are the top scoring side in La Liga with 21 goals in seven matches yet their last two competitive fixtures have seen them lack a clinical edge.
The defeat to Sheriff saw them create plenty of chances which they failed to take, and was preceded by a 0-0 draw at home to Villarreal, another game which saw Madrid fail to capitalise on their opportunities.
Espanyol for their part have scored just four times this term, only two sides have netted fewer, and the Catalans have also been guilty of spurning promising openings.
Ancelotti’s men have claimed wins in their last three away matches in all competitions but have not overly convinced, needing extremely late goals to win at Valencia and Inter, while claiming a hard-fought 1-0 win at Real Betis.
Sunday’s game should be another tight encounter and opposing a high-scoring clash should appeal.
Espanyol vs Real Madrid tips & predictions
Real Madrid to win and under 3.5 goals in the game is priced at 8/5 (2.60), while Real Madrid to win to nil is priced at 2/1 (3.00).
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Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.