There is a conviction throughout the category that Espanyol is the top favorite for promotion. By template, by budget, by history and even by the weight of the shirt. But that added pressure that his rivals try to put on him is nothing more than reality. Espanyol is the favorite and, now, they are taking it upon themselves to prove it. That is why his visit to Villarreal should be a new sign that no one is wrong, and that this Espanyol that is looking for the perfect week will go up to First Division on the fast track.
After their victories against Racing de Ferrol and Cartagena, Luis García's men aspire to achieve victory in Villarreal to remain at the top of the standings. Espanyol arrives at the clash in a great emotional and footballing state, but from the locker room they do not hide that the physical wear and tear after the two previous matches is a reality. The coaching staff considers rotations to maintain the level, without giving up style, and to be able to return to Barcelona with three points.
Danish striker Martin Braithwaite is the man to watch in the blue and white ranks. The attacker has five goals in total, thus being the top scorer of the block. Furthermore, three of these goals have been achieved in the last two games: two against Racing de Ferrol and one against Cartagena.
Luis García's pupils have shown that they dominate the category with authority, but no one relaxes. The Catalan team insists on a cautious discourse and praises the quality of the opponent, who presents himself as one of the most achievers in the category (14), despite the fact that he is also one of those who fits the most (14).
The parakeet coach will not be able to count on the injured Keidi Baré and Salvi. In any case, he does recover striker Keita Baldé for the match against Villarreal B.
The yellow team is aware of the danger posed by the current leader of the category. Espanyol is, with 19 goals, the team that scores the most in the Second Division and, with 8, the sixth that concedes the least. Away from the Stage Front Stadium he has only punctured in two games: Tenerife (1-0) and Albacete (1-1).
Opposite, the Castellonenses arrive after a streak of four games without losing, with three draws and one victory, which has moved them a little away from the dangerous zone of the table, although in front of them they will have a rival who arrives accompanied by their fans and adding six victories in the nine days played.
