Wolverhampton vs Espanyol Predictions

• Under 2.5 goals have been produced in 62% of Wolves’ home games.
• 50% of Espanyol’s away games have produced under 2.5 goals.
• Wolves score an average of 1.38 goals per home game.
• Espanyol concede an average of 1.58 goals per away game.

Espanyol have lost six times on the road this season

Wolves finished second in Group K and have only lost one of their six matches in the Europa League so far this season, while Espanyol topped a much-easier Group H and also only suffered one defeat on their way to the knockout stage. The visitors only conceded four goals in the group stage and Wolves only conceded five, so we’re not expecting a lot of goalmouth action when these two sides lock horns on Thursday night.

Wolves average 1.38 points per home game in the Premier League and won two of their three home games to nil in the group stage of the Europa League, while Espanyol picked up two wins and a draw against CSKA, Ludogorets, and Ferencvaros; but they have only managed to pick up an average of 1.00 points per away game in La Liga and sit bottom of the table.

The hosts score an average of 1.38 goals per home game and scored five goals in three home games in Group K, while Espanyol concede an average of 1.58 goals per away game and conceded twice against Ferencvaros in their final away game of the group stage. Only 50% of Espanyol’s away games in La Liga have seen both teams score and the visitors’ away games produce an average of 2.42 total goals, so you can start to see just why we have backed under 2.5 goals to be scored and Wolves to win 2-0 on Thursday night.

Both teams had good defensive records during the group stage

Under 2.5 goals have been scored in 50% of Espanyol’s away games, as well as in 62% of Wolves’ home games, adding further weight to our prediction for Thursday’s match. Wolves have kept clean sheets in 23% of their home games in the league as well as in two of their three home matches in the Europa League, while Espanyol have failed to score in 42% of their away games.

Espanyol have lost to nil in 33% of their away matches this season and, while they are yet to lose on the road in the Europa League this season, Wolves are likely to prove their toughest opponents in this competition to date. Exactly two goals have been scored in 33% of Espanyol’s away games and 31% of Wolves’ home games this campaign.

Overall, we’re confident under 2.5 goals will be produced in Thursday’s match. A majority of Wolves’ wins this season (5) have been obtained with a one-goal margin and, arguably, the Premier League club had the tougher of the pair’s Europa League groups and will be better prepared on Thursday night. Espanyol have looked impressive in Europe against lesser opposition but their domestic form suggests they won’t be capable of progressing much further in this competition.