Racing vs Espanyol: preview, likely lineups and fantasy tips

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

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

Racing - Espanyol

Match date: 24/10-16:15

Real Racing Club Santander

The Cantabrian club welcomes Espanyol this Saturday with the need to change the momentum from recent matchdays. The side led by José Alberto López is going through a difficult spell, with too many doubts about their play and results that have stalled their progress in this return to the top flight. However, the verdiblancos still have an argument to cling to: El Sardinero remains an unassailable fortress.

An inconsistent Racing that needs to respond

The latest defeat, against Osasuna in Pamplona (2-0), once again highlighted the team's difficulties competing away from home. Defensive errors and a lack of continuity are punishing a Racing side that needs to regain the solidity and confidence it showed in its best moments.
Despite this scenario, the Cantabrian team remains unbeaten at home in the league. Two wins and two draws from their four matches at El Sardinero keep the hope alive of adding three points in front of their fans. Turning that factor into a real advantage will be key to putting an end to the poor run.

José Alberto, facing the challenge of finding the right formula

One of the big question marks is the starting XI. José Alberto is still looking for the combination that will allow Racing to restore the balance between attack and defence, so changes in several positions are not ruled out.
The possible introduction of Andrés Martín, the options to partner Sergio Canales and the selection of the most suitable players to bring balance in midfield are some of the issues the Asturian coach will have to solve. The goal is clear: to find a reliable core that lets the team compete with greater consistency.

In the injury department, Eriksson is the only absence for Racing, so the coach will have the rest of the squad available to prepare a match that could prove important in changing the trend.
Racing needs an immediate response. Against Espanyol, they will have another chance to show that, despite the difficulties, El Sardinero is still their best ally.

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RCD Espanyol

El Espanyol llega a Santander en una situación delicada, después de encadenar cuatro partidos sin ganar y sumar únicamente un punto de los últimos doce. La última derrota ante el Atlético de Madrid (0-1), con un gol encajado en los minutos finales, ha aumentado la presión sobre Manolo González. Los blanquiazules tienen ocho puntos y necesitan recuperar sensaciones para alejarse de la zona de descenso.

En la enfermería, Kike García continúa de baja por su lesión muscular y Jofre Carreras sigue sin estar disponible por problemas físicos. La noticia positiva es la recuperación de Javi Puado, que ya ha regresado a las convocatorias, aunque todavía debe recuperar protagonismo competitivo. También está disponible Drkušić, que ha trabajado con normalidad. En la portería, Ángel Fortuño apunta a mantener la titularidad después de sus buenas actuaciones ante Málaga y Atlético, pese a que está Dmitrović ya está recuperado.

As for the starting XI, Manolo González could keep Fortuño in goal and trust in Hinojo,Hartman , Riedel, Cabrera and Omar El Hilali in defence. Edu Expósito and Pol Lozano have important options in the middle of the park, while Javi Hernández, Bryan Zaragoza and Roberto Fernández appear as the main offensive options. The biggest question is the system: repeat with three centre-backs and Drkušić or bet on a four-man defence with Dolan providing depth from the right.

Main doubts in the XI: Drkušić / Dolan, depending on whether Manolo González keeps a five-man defence or switches to a more attacking set-up. On the left flank, there is also a doubt every matchday: whether to go with the youngster Hinojo or Hartman.

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