Espanyol will face a tougher test this evening as they take on Pau FC in a preseason friendly at the Estadi Municipal de Peralada, with kick-off set for 19:30 CEST. This match will be broadcast on Esport3, and comes after the pericos’ convincing 0-3 win over Olot in their previous fixture.
Preparation for the New Season
As reported by Mundo Deportivo’s Anna Cordovilla, this match marks a meaningful step up in difficulty for Espanyol, who are looking to assess their squad both physically and tactically against a team from France’s Ligue 2. The previous match gave head coach Manolo González the opportunity to test nearly all available players, excluding those anticipated to depart this summer.
Loanees Make Their Mark
Players such as forwards Bauza and Marcos Fernández impressed in the opener against Olot, both adding to the scoreline. Tonight’s friendly presents a chance for returning loanees to demonstrate their readiness for a first-team role ahead of the new La Liga season. Additionally, new signings like Àlex Calatrava, Hartman, and Moscardo will be under observation, particularly after Calatrava’s promising debut last match.
Pau FC’s Connections to Espanyol
This match carries an intriguing subplot with Pau FC’s winger Giovani Versini reportedly on Espanyol’s radar, potentially due to his previous season’s performance. Furthermore, Omar Sadik, currently on loan at Ceuta, spent last year with Pau and is familiar with Versini’s abilities. This could add competitive edge to an already interesting matchup.
Upcoming Friendly Fixtures
After facing Pau FC, Espanyol’s preseason includes another friendly against Sabadell at the Ciudad Deportiva, now set for a 10:30 kick-off on Saturday. These initial tests will pave the way for a more challenging tour in England later in July before the pericos commence their La Liga campaign at the RCDE Stadium.
The SportiveNews view
Espanyol’s preparations seem strategically aimed at evaluating the depth and readiness of their squad before the season kicks off. The performance against Pau FC could provide the coaching staff with insights into which loanees and new arrivals can fulfil key roles in the upcoming campaign, underscoring the importance of these early matchups.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weight of the friendly against Pau FC?
This match against Pau FC is a key opportunity for Espanyol to gauge their squad’s physical and tactical readiness ahead of the new La Liga season, representing a step up from their last fixture against Olot.
Who will likely miss out on the match for Espanyol?
Players anticipated to leave the club this summer, including José Gragera, Miguel Rubio, José Salinas, Pablo Ramón, and Antoniu Roca, are expected to be sidelined for the fixture against Pau FC.
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