CSKA Moscow vs Espanyol Predictions

Russian Premier League leaders CSKA Moscow are aiming to get their Europa League campaign up and running. Despite their bright domestic form, the Russian side had a horror start to their European campaign. CSKA are fresh from a hammering at the hand of Ludogorets, a result which put pressure on both of these sides. Which one of them will respond with a positive result here?

The hosts are looking good for domestic success this season, with a two-point lead at the top in Russia. However, that was quickly forgotten in their last clash, as they were thumped by Bulgarian opposition. There’s now a huge task on the hoss’ hands just to make it out of this group, while they certainly need a response. However, can they bounce back or was that defeat part of their wider struggles in Europe?

The visitors are in a very different position, having failed to win any of their last four games. However, they drew with Ferencvaros in their opening game, which has given them a boost going into this meeting with CSKA. While the visitors are heading here in the bottom three in La Liga, you wouldn’t guess that by their away form so far.

The visitors have claimed 100% of their league points on the road this season. They are unbeaten in three La Liga trips, while they head into this game aiming to stretch that and pile the pressure onto CSKA. After all, the away side have built up a fine record on the continent over the years. Espanyol are unbeaten in their last 22 games in all European competitions (W16 D6 L0) since they were eliminated in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup by Schalke in 2005-06.

The visitors have lost just one of their last 15 away trips in the Europa League. They come here with some strong results on the road behind them, while CSKA have won just once in their last five in this competition. They conceded two goals or more in their final four Europa League games last season, while we expect Espanyol to take advantage.

The visitors’ excellent return on the road this season has promoted us to back their Europa League form to continue. The visitors are well priced to avoid defeat in this one, so Espanyol Double Chance is our tip here. Given how the hosts are struggling, we’re also going for another 1-1 draw for Espanyol.