Málaga - Espanyol. Match preview, likely lineups and fantasy tips. Matchday 8 of LaLiga.

We show the likely lineups and statistical data of interest for your preferred fantasy game.

We also take a bit of a gamble and provide you with a captain, a striker, a wall and a risk for each of the two teams.

Málaga - Espanyol

Match date: 09/10-21:00

Málaga Club de Fútbol

Málaga will be looking to land their first win of the season in a match where they will come up against a familiar face in Roberto Fernández, one of the heroes of the promotion of the boquerón side to the second division. For this game, Funes is expected to keep testing some players, although with a very similar setup to the one seen in these opening matchdays. In addition, it is worth highlighting the call-ups of Chupe and Rafita to the Spanish Under-21 squad, with the latter the one who had more involvement as he was important both against San Marino and versus Romania.

As for Málaga's injury list for this matchday, after recovering Calero during this international break, the boquerón side will still be unable to call on mainly Diego Murillo, who is very close to returning to the pitch. On the other hand, Ochoa and Lobete complete the list of injured players with long-term recovery periods. Meanwhile, it is also worth noting the absence of Jorge Salinas, who will not be able to play in this match due to a contract clause with Espanyol that will prevent him from playing against the perico side.

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RCD Espanyol

The Espanyol arrive at La Rosaleda with the imperative need to win so they do not slip into the relegation zone.

With coach Manolo González under scrutiny and the situation at the club and among the fans more tense than ever, the perico side looks set to make changes to the starting XI in an attempt to turn things around.

In goal, everything points to Marko Dmitrovic being the starting goalkeeper, but we still cannot confirm it because Fortuño started against Ipswich Town in the pre-season match 

In defence, serious doubts begin. Manolo González could make changes by bringing in Riedel to improve their build-up play and Hartman for the young Hinojo to strengthen the full-back position.

In midfield, we see an important tactical shift to try to flip the situation. Manolo González will return to the 4-3-3 with 2 pure midfielders and an attacking midfielder, which all points to Edu Expósito.

Finally, in attack there are doubts, as the wide players are split between Dolan, Cala and Javi Hernández. The presence of Bryan Zaragoza would be more ruled out from the start.

The Espanyol arrive with the return of the captain, Javi Puado, who after his serious injury in January will be back in the squad, as Quique Iglesias has reported.

As for absences, they have the only confirmed absence of Kike García 

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