Málaga vs Espanyol prediction, odds and how to watch

Real Sociedad claimed a badly-needed home win against Espanyol, but four big chances missed and a leaky defence that had conceded in every match from their last ten tells you everything about where this club stands right now.

Real Madrid made it five La Liga wins from five in their recent completed sample with a ruthless 4-0 dismantling of Málaga, who offered next to nothing in attack and were carved open from the first whistle.

Sevilla claimed all three points at Espanyol on Sunday evening, winning 1-0 in a tight, fractious La Liga encounter that was defined by Espanyol's red card and their inability to do anything meaningful with the ball going forward.

Málaga controlled the ball, the territory, and the tempo, but a 0-0 draw against Levante was the result. When you create big chances and miss them all, you do not deserve anything more.

Málaga have scored just once in four La Liga matches and have not won in that time. Espanyol arrive with problems of their own, but they at least know how to find the net.

Espanyol welcome Elche to RCDE Stadium on Sunday with both clubs carrying questions about defensive structure and consistency. The tactical shape of this match could matter more than the names on the teamsheet.

Getafe take on Málaga at the Coliseum on Sunday knowing that three points would consolidate their early season position, but the visitors arrive carrying form from outside La Liga that suggests they are capable of making life uncomfortable.

Málaga host Villarreal on Wednesday night in a fixture where both teams carry structural problems that make this one of the more tactically interesting games of the La Liga midweek round. The numbers point in one clear direction.