FC Luzern vs Espanyol Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 05/08/2019, 12:50  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 05/08/2019 at 13:50 in Europa League Prediction

Luzern finished fifth in the Swiss Super League last season. They weren't quite in title contention having finished 45 points behind the champions Young Boys.  18 league games lost and they still managed to get into the Europa League!  They are again fifth in the league this season with a win, draw and defeat in their opening three games. Those three games have only produced three goals. In the Europa League so far this season, Luzern have beaten KI Klaksvik with both legs ending in a 1-0 win for the Swiss side. Not since the 2012/13 season have they got further than the third qualifying round of the Europa League. That season they lost in the play-off round to Genk. The win over Klaksvik ended a run of four home European games without a victory. It was also the first European tie they had won since the 1992/93 season.

Espanyol finished seventh in La Liga securing the final Europa League qualifying spot on the final day of the season. They haven't played in European competition since the 2006/07 season when losing in the final of the UEFA Cup. The second qualifying round saw them earn a comprehensive win over Stjarnan from Iceland. The La Liga team won 7-1 on aggregate, winning 4-0 at home and 3-1away. They are unbeaten in their last seven away European games. Espanyol are undefeated in 14 games since losing to Barcelona in March. They can make it 15 with an away win in this game.