Espanyol vs Alaves Prediction 30 January 2026
🔊 What intrigues lie in the opening fixture of La Liga's 22nd round? This Friday evening, the "Cornellà-El Prat" will host the clash between Espanyol and Alavés. Notably, these clubs are chasing different objectives-Espanyol are aiming for a spot in European competitions next season, while Alavés are doing everything they can to avoid a relegation battle. Bookmakers give the Catalan club a twofold advantage.
Head-to-Head
📊 Let's lock in the stats from the last 10 head-to-head encounters: Espanyol have secured 5 wins, there have been 2 draws, and Alaves have claimed victory 3 times. Additionally, let's note the average scoring rate over this period: Espanyol lead with 1.2 goals per game compared to Alaves' 0.9. In the first round of the current season, the team from Vitoria-Gasteiz emerged victorious at their home ground, Mendizorrotza, with a 2-1 win. However, Alaves have struggled in their last 9 trips to Cornella-El Prat, failing to win since their last away success during the 2001/02 La Liga campaign, which ended 2-1 in their favor.
Head-to-head statistics Espanyol - Alaves

Espanyol Barcelona Team Overview
🔴 The "Parakeets" have lost their flawless form and are unable to secure a win in their last four matches (1 draw and 3 losses). Currently, the Catalan club sits in 5th place in the league standings, with 34 points from 21 matches. Let's take a look at Espanyol's average performance stats: 1.19 goals scored per game, with the same number conceded. Manolo Gonzalez has been building the framework within the "Parakeets" for several years and is now close to achieving remarkable interim results.
🔵 Last weekend, Manolo Gonzalez's squad failed to secure an away victory against Valencia (2-3). Throughout the match, the "Parakeets" were playing catch-up and couldn't maintain parity on the scoreboard, conceding a decisive goal in the 94th minute. The form of Espanyol's key players is affecting the team's current performance. Manolo Gonzalez advocates for a physically demanding style of play, characterized by constant movement and high-intensity pressing. The tactical model's basic formation is 4-4-2. The Catalan club's top scorer is 33-year-old Pere Milla, who is having his second-best scoring season of his career.
Match Results: Espanyol Barcelona

Deportivo Alaves Team Overview
🔵 The "Glorious" are still searching for consistency to secure their place in the top tier of Spanish football. Achieving this will be quite challenging, as Eduardo Coudet sometimes lacks the squad depth needed to fully implement his tactical approach. Currently, Alavés sit 15th in the La Liga standings, just one point clear of the relegation zone. It's equally important to consider the average scoring rate of the "Bean Destroyers" this season, which stands at 0.86 goals per game (17th in the league). Whether Alavés can make the most of their strengths will soon be revealed.
⚪ In the last round of the national championship, the "Glorious" secured a surprising yet somewhat expected victory against Betis (2-1) on home turf. Eduardo Coudet's squad appeared stronger in one key area ahead of the clash-the physical condition of the players. They also capitalized well on their chances, with Carlos Vicente and Toni Martínez coolly dispatching past Pau López. However, it's worth noting that Alavés remain the least effective team in away fixtures, having collected just 4 points from 10 matches. Their average scoring in these games is a mere 0.4 goals per match.
Match Results: Deportivo Alaves
Latest news
Espanyol Barcelona
📰 Espanyol's top scorer this season, Pere Milla, spoke to journalists ahead of their clash with Alaves: “We need to turn the page after the games against Valencia and Girona. We can't live in the past. Our focus is already on the match against Alaves; they're a strong and very intense team, and it will be tough. They have good players who make the game very uncomfortable for you; they all work as a unit. But we know La Liga is very competitive, and we must be strong at home. We're playing in front of our fans this Friday, and we need to win. I'm grateful to the coach for the trust he places in me. I believe in myself and my work to contribute and help us consistently win games.”
❌ Among the unavailable players for Espanyol, only Javi Puado stands out (leg injury).
Deportivo Alaves
📰 The main transfer news surrounding Alavés in recent days is the move of Carlos Vicente to English side Birmingham for €8 million. The Spaniard joined Vitoria-Gasteiz from Ferrol in December 2023, and over these two campaigns, he has played a total of 81 games. In La Liga, the 26-year-old notched up 12 goals and 9 assists in 76 appearances. Stepping in to replace the departing leader is 23-year-old Spaniard Ángel Pérez, acquired from Huesca for €1 million. His stamina and solid technique fit perfectly with Eduardo Coudet's tactical demands for a winger. However, whether the newcomer can handle the pace of La Liga remains a significant question.
❌ Among the unavailable players for Alavés' upcoming match are Mariano Díaz and Nikola Maraš (both sidelined by the coach's decision). Additionally, Denis Suárez remains doubtful due to a muscle injury.
⚽ Goal Prediction
Our editorial team doesn't anticipate a goal fest in the upcoming match. Let's note the average scoring rates for each side: Espanyol at 1.2 and Alaves at 0.9. The average in their head-to-head encounters is just 1.8 goals per game. It's also worth mentioning that in 7 of Espanyol's last 9 matches, there have been no more than 2 goals scored. We suggest placing a bet on under 2.5 goals.
🚩 Corner Prediction
In 7 of Espanyol's last 9 games, there have been no more than 10 corner kicks. A similar trend is evident in 5 of the last 7 head-to-head meetings between these clubs. It's important to note the average number of corners in matches involving each team in the current La Liga season: Espanyol at 9.1 and Alaves at 9.9. Considering these statistical insights, we recommend betting on under 9.5 corners.
Editor's Prediction
Despite their inconsistent form, the "Parrots" remain one of the toughest teams to beat at home. Meanwhile, Alaves struggle significantly when it comes to earning points on the road, showcasing the poorest away record in the league. Furthermore, it's been nearly 24 years since the "Babazorros" last secured an away victory against the Catalan club. We anticipate a final score of 1-0, with the key bet being a win for Espanyol.
