We've researched some of the most important missing players this weekend throughout Europe’s biggest leagues.
Stoke v Swansea – Saturday 15:00
Federico Fernandez (CB), Swansea
Fernandez is absent for this test and in the 13 matches he’s missed since the start of last season Swansea have conceded 30 times – at a rate of almost a whole goal extra compared to with him. Furthermore, in the five away matches within that sample they’ve conceded at least three goals on four occasions, including at the likes of Middlesbrough and West Brom last season – not teams renowned for their scoring prowess. Another side to put three past a Fernandez-less Swansea last term was Stoke as they won this fixture 3-1 and we fancy a similar result against the struggling Swans.
Getafe v Valencia – Sunday 15:15, Sky Sports
Goncalo Guedes (LW), Valencia
Guedes has been sensational for Valencia this season but a broken toe has ruled him out for the next couple of weeks. Valencia have won all seven of his starts while scoring 26 times – only once scoring less than three times. In contrast, they’ve won just one of four without him while netting four times in total as they all had fewer than three goals. Getafe are relatively robust at the back and had a strong ‘unders’ record last season in La Liga 2 while this term both Barcelona and Real Madrid could only score twice against them. As such we fancy them to restrict Valencia and Under 2.5 Goals to follow.
Eibar v Espanyol – Sunday 17:30, Sky Sports
Charles (FW) and Pedro Leon (RW), Eibar; Leonardo Baptistao (FW), Espanyol
Charles is Eibar’s top scorer this season with five goals but he’s suspended here. With Leon, whose 77 key passes last season was almost 50 more than any of his teammates, still yet to appear this term due to a serious injury it leaves Eibar will a lack of attacking options. They’ve won half of Charles’s six starts this season but just one of seven without him as their average goals per game has fallen by 47%.
Only three players have scored for Espanyol this season and Baptistao has three of them. Seven of the last eight matches he’s failed to start have had fewer than three goals and he’s suspended here. With goals seemingly highly unlikely, Under 1.5 Goals looks a great price.
