TIPS - Valencia CF VS RCD Espanyol

[(Valencia CF) Strength]:
1. Valencia CF currently rank 17th in the league with 20 points, leading the relegation zone by just 1 point. The team urgently need more points to distance themselves from the relegation battle, and their desire to secure points is extremely strong.
2. Valencia CF forward Hugo Duro has scored 6 goals in the league this season and is currently the team's most reliable scorer.
3. Valencia CF secured a 1-0 away victory against Getafe CF in their last league match, marking their second consecutive win in competitive competitions and showcasing excellent form.
4. Valencia CF's offense has been consistently effective recently, scoring 6 goals in their last 5 competitive matches and finding the net in every game during this period.
5. Valencia CF's home performance is commendable, with 3 wins, 5 draws, and 2 losses in their 10 league home matches this season, resulting in an unbeaten rate of 80%.
6. Valencia CF's home defense is solid, conceding only 9 goals in their 10 league home matches this season, averaging less than 1 goal per game.

[(Valencia CF) Neutral]:
1. The last 5 league encounters between the two teams have all ended in draws, including a 2-2 draw in their first meeting this season.

[(Valencia CF) Weakness]:
1. Valencia CF will be without Mouctar Diakhaby, Thierry Correia, Julen Agirrezabala, and Cesar Tarrega due to injuries, while Jose Gaya and Cristian Rivero are suspended. Dani Raba is listed as doubtful for the match.

[(RCD Espanyol) Strength]:
1. RCD Espanyol currently sit 5th in the league with 34 points, trailing the Champions League spots by 7 points. The team are determined to fight for victory and secure a Champions League qualification spot, and their motivation is unquestionable.
2. RCD Espanyol's recent away form in the league has been very strong, with 3 wins and 1 draw in their last 4 league away matches, remaining unbeaten.

[(RCD Espanyol) Weakness]:
1. RCD Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali is suspended for this match due to accumulated yellow cards. Forward Javi Puado will miss the remainder of the season due to a serious knee injury.
2. RCD Espanyol suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Girona FC in their last league match, extending their winless streak to 3 league games with 1 draw and 2 losses, indicating poor form.
3. RCD Espanyol's offensive firepower has noticeably declined recently, scoring only 1 goal in their last 3 league matches and failing to score in 2 of those games.
4. RCD Espanyol's defense has been problematic, conceding in each of their last 4 league matches for a total of 6 goals, averaging 1.5 goals conceded per game.

[Tips]:
Valencia CF's recent form has improved, securing two consecutive wins.

The team's offensive output is stable, and their home performance is solid, with particularly impressive defensive displays at home.

In contrast, RCD Espanyol have gone three league matches without a win, with both offense and defense showing signs of decline, but their away form remains strong.

The head-to-head record between the two teams in recent years has been evenly matched, and this encounter is likely to be closely contested.

Thus, RCD Espanyol are expected to remain unbeaten away from home!

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RCD Espanyol (+0/0.5)