On Thursday evening, from 20:00, Espanyol Barcelona goes away on the field of FC Luzern, in the first leg of the preliminary round 3 of the UEFA Europa League. The hosts did not shine in the matches this season, while Espanyol has a superior value, and that will matter decisively.
The hosts will not be able to bet on the injured Burch, while Espanyol does not have D. Lopez and Piatti, both with medical problems. Espanyol finished in force the previous season of the Primera Division and did not suffer any defeat in the summer matches. It is true, the Catalans clashed with modest formations, they won easily: 6-0 with Peralada, 3-1 with Lens and 2-2 with Sheffield Wednesday.
Espanyol also played in the preliminary round 2 of the UEFA Europa League, where he passed Stjarnan without great emotions. It was 4-0 at home and 3-1 away, after the exceptional offensive performances of Gallego’s students. Obviously, Espanyol’s team is more valuable than Luzern’s, and players like Ferreyra, Iglesias, Roca, Iturraspe or Vila will make the difference in the fight for qualification.
Luzern made its debut in the new season in Switzerland with a victory (2-0 at St. Gallen), but then drew with Zurich (0-0) and lost the match with Servette (0-1), after a very weak match. In Europe, the Swiss complicated their lives in front of the modest Klaksvik, which they defeated 1-0 at home and 1-0 at the return. We expect a success for Espanyol, who does not want to depend on victory in the second leg.
PREDICTION: Espanyol to win @ 1,60
