Primera Division Quick Picks - Espanyol Barcelona vs. Malaga CF
by Nila Amerova
Espanyol Barcelona snapped a two-match losing streak last weekend when they beat Deportivo La Coruna 3:2 on the away. Until the win, they were pointless in Primera Division, hanging out at the bottom of the table. The three points lifted Espanyol to 14th spot and into the safe zone for now.
Malaga CF have suffered a dip in form after getting their campaign off to a stupendous start with a 3:0 victory over Athletic Madrid. They are coming off a heartbreaking 2:1 loss to Santander that many feel they should have won. If they put the disappointment behind them, might they return to winning form at the expense of Espanyol Barcelona?
Soccer Betting Line:
Espanyol Barcelona -½ Ev Ev 2½ O -105 U -115 1½ O Ev U -130 Draw +240
Malaga CF +½ -120 +275 2½ O -105 U -115 1 O +105 U -135 Draw +240
Match Time: 02:00 P.M. Eastern Time Wednesday September 23, 2009
Venue: Estadi Cornellà-El Prat
Soccer Betting Analysis: Espanyol finally turned around a negative start to the season and now with the pressure off their shoulders for the moment, the mood in the locker room has to be one of extreme relief and optimism ahead of their upcoming fixture. They are out of the danger zone and with that worry behind them for now they can focus on extending their winning streak against a middleweight side in Malaga.
Malaga CF are in eleventh spot in the table but after a positive start to their season, winning their opener over Atletico Madrid 3:0 they suffered a dip in form. They enter this match on the heels of back-to-back losses in Primera – 1:0 to Deportivo and 2:1 to Santander.
Soccer Betting Verdict: Espanyol have a great opportunity to extend their winning streak at the expense of the visitors who are clearly struggling right now. Soccer Bettors looking to back Espanyol can find them decently listed at Even odds. Yet, Malaga CF lost a close, hard fought match against Santander a match they should have at least shared in the spoils if not won. If they take the positives from that match, they might rebound nicely against Espanyol who despite joining the winning circle are still far from top form.
Soccer Free Picks: The outright win is tough to call in this match and in my opinion could go either way, but if there were to risk house money, I would on Espanyol Barcelona. Better plays can be found in the spread and totals. Take Malaga to cover the spread at +1/2 -120 and the team totals at 2 ½ Under -115.
