Verdict: Espanyol win
Best Odds: 5/4
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to extend on their stellar start to proceedings on Monday night, Espanyol will marker their return from September’s international break when they welcome Mallorca to Catalonia.
Espanyol
Starting with the hosts, while Espanyol might have spent the majority of last season at the heart of a La Liga relegation scrap, the Parakeets have come roaring back in a sensational fashion. Last seen heading into September’s fortnight interval with a gritty 1-0 victory at home against Osasuna, Manolo Gonzalez’s side have come flying out of the traps since opening up the 2025/26 campaign. Getting proceedings underway with a famous 2-1 win against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid on August 17th, Espanyol have registered seven points from their first three La Liga showdowns. Making a string of improvements after returning from the summer break, Gonzalez’s high-flying squad will be smelling the chance to make another statement on Monday night and will certainly be backed by a vocal home support in Catalonia.
Espanyol Team News
Heading into Monday’s return, Espanyol have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns to worry about. Completing a free switch from domestic rivals Leganes over the summer, veteran goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic will start between the sticks.
Finding the net in two of his opening three La Liga appearances, former Elche marksman Pere Milla will play a leading role in the final third. Forming what has become an eye-catching partnership in the middle of the park, Pol Lozano will be joined alongside one-time Deportivo youngster Exposito.
Mallorca
As for the visitors, while Espanyol might have enjoyed a remarkable start since opening up the new campaign last month, Mallorca have drastically failed to find their feet. Largely limping their way over the finishing line, Jagoba Arrasate’s side have shown similar issues this time around. Last seen heading into September’s international break with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Real Madrid, Monday’s guests have put just a single point on the board from any of their opening three La Liga appearances. Getting proceedings underway with a routine 3-0 drumming at home against defending champions Barcelona on August 16th, Mallorca look set for what will be another stern examination here. It should also be noted, Arrasate’s side have lost their last three consecutive trips to Catalonia by an aggregate score of 5-2.
Mallorca Team News
Yet to make a single appearance so far this season after sustaining a summer blow, Mallorca are once again expected to be without one-time Girona defender Pablo Maffeo on Monday night. However, aside from the 28-year-old, Arrasate’s side have reported a clean bill of health.
Bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike against Real Madrid prior to the September break, Kosovo international Vedat Muriqi will lead the line here. Recently returning from a recent muscle issue, ex-Braga youngster Samu Costa should get some more minutes under his belt.
Espanyol vs Mallorca Key Factors to Consider
- When Espanyol last welcomed Mallorca to Catalonia back in October 2024, Monday’s hosts collected a 2-1 victory.
- In fact, Espanyol have won their previous three consecutive home fixtures against Mallorca by an aggregate score of 5-2.
- The Parakeets have registered seven points from their opening three La Liga appearances.
- Mallorca have collected just one-point from their first three La Liga showdowns.
- The Pirates have registered just a single La Liga victory on their travels so far this calendar year.
Conclusion
Heading into September’s international break in the midst of what was a real purple patch, Espanyol will simply be looking to carry on from where they left off prior to the fortnight interval. Getting proceedings underway with a famous 2-1 victory against Atletico Madrid on August 17th, Monday’s hosts have put seven points on the board from their first three La Liga appearances. Likewise, landing a 2-1 win when they last welcomed Mallorca to Catalonia back in October 2024, they have won their previous three straight home meetings against the Pirates by an aggregate score of 5-2.
Verdict: Espanyol win
Best Odds: 5/4
Bookmaker: Luckster
