Espanyol goalkeeper Diego Lopez. (Photo : Getty Images)
Steady squad RCD Espanyol (4-3-7, 19 points) will look to extend their eight-game unbeaten streak as they host bottom three team Sporting de Gijon (3-8-3, 12 points) in a 2016-2017 La Liga season match at their home field of Cornella-El Prat Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 11.
Start Time and Streaming Info
The game starts at 12:30 p.m. ET. It can be viewed live online thru FuboTV.
Espanyol has been undefeated since their 0-2 loss to Celta Vigo in late September. Most of their games were drawn matches, which allowed them to settle in the 12th spot of the league table, seven points above the bottom three relegation area.
Los Periquitos are coming off an impressive 0-0 draw with powerhouse club Atletico Madrid on the road at the Vicente Calderón Stadium last Saturday, as per Sports Mole.
Head coach Quique Sánchez Flores' boys were able to hold the capital city giants scoreless throughout the match even with goal-scoring superstars Antoine Griezmann, Kevin Gameiro, and Yannick Carrasco all available for the hosts.
Atleti had control of ball possession throughout the match and were relentless with their attacks, but Espanyol was able to hold their ground on defense and pull off the double clean sheet.
Meanwhile, Sporting Gijon snapped a 10-game winless slide by defeating cellar-dwellers Osasuna, 3-1, at their home ground of El Molinon Stadium last Sunday, via ESPN.
A brace from Spanish midfielder Carlos Carmona in the 43rd and 78th minutes led head coach Abelardo Fernández's side while Brazilian defender Douglas scored the third goal of the hosts in the 56th.
Osasuna was able to net a consolation goal in the 86th minute courtesy of a close-range right-footer by team captain Miguel Flaño.
Even with the win, Sporting was still not able to climb out of the relegation area, but have widened the gap with fellow bottom three squad Granada to four points.
Prediction and Predicted Lineup
The predicted result is a close 1-0 win by Espanyol.
Espanyol starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Diego Lopez; Martin, Reyes, Sanchez, David Lopez; Piatti, Jurado; Fuego, Baptistao, Diop; Gerard
Sporting Gijon starting lineup (5-4-1 formation): Cuellar; Amorebieta, Mere, Lopez, Lillo, Douglas; Picon, Gomez, Ait Atmane, Carmona; Cop
