Espanyol vs CSKA Moscow Predictions

• Espanyol have already qualified as winners of Group H, scoring 12 goals and conceding just three.
• CSKA Moscow have had a very disappointing campaign, failing to pick up a single point and only scoring two goals.
• Rotation could be on the cards for Espanyol as they look to ensure a strong squad for a relegation fight in La Liga.
• CSKA Moscow have nothing to play for and motivation could be a problem for the Russian side.

A season of ups and downs for Espanyol

The Europa League campaign has been superb for the Spanish side but their domestic form has been awful, with the club currently sitting bottom of La Liga with just nine points, two less than they’ve amassed in Europe this year.

There is likely to be some rotation from head coach, Pablo Machin, who will be looking towards a key clash with Real Betis this coming weekend and will look for this game to serve as nothing more than a confidence booster ahead of that clash.

Disappointment abound for CSKA Moscow

CSKA Moscow were predicted to qualify from this group with relative ease but they’ve been unable to find any form, losing their first three matches before only being able to claim a point against both Ludogorets and Ferencvaros.

The Russian side can’t even claim to be unlucky, scoring just twice in five games and looking second best across each match. Their domestic form has also been subpar this year, and they are currently 11 points off of leaders, Zenit in the Russian Premier League.

A drab match in a nothing to play for contest

Neither side will welcome this match particularly and it doesn’t really serve a purpose other than fulfilling a fixture. Espanyol are slight favourites and that feels about right with the Spanish side looking much better than their opponents in Europe this season and we’re predicting them to pick up the win.

With motivation so low for both sides and both sets of players looking towards important domestic clashes, we’re predicting this one to be settled by a single goal. CSKA Moscow haven’t been scoring this season and with Espanyol likely to be slightly weaker than normal, we’re going for a 1-0 win to the Spanish side.