Betting Tips for Today: Espanyol to finish strongly against Athletic Bilbao

Many punters will spend Monday preparing for another hectic midweek of Champions League and Europa League action.

There's some value to be found on the domestic scene though as Espanyol host Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.

Espanyol can reach second place with a victory at the RCDE Stadium. 888Sport offer 10/11 (1.91) that the hosts - who have won each of their four league games at this venue so far - extend their perfect record.

Athletic Bilbao have drawn all of their four away games this term including trips to Barcelona and Real Betis. Another stalemate is available at 47/20 (3.35) while the visitors are 3/1 (4.0) to claim three points.

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Both teams to score is available at 49/50 (1.98) with 888Sport. It's paid out in each of Bilbao's four matches on the road this season and the 19/5 (4.80) about a score draw may be a popular bet given those statistics.

It's tough to look past Espanyol's start to the campaign though. While they're yet to face an elite team on home soil, the wins over Valencia and Villarreal in particular mean they should be respected.

The best bet is in backing Espanyol to win the second half. At 13/10 (2.30) it offers a solid potential return compared to the home win which trades at odds on.

Rubi's side have finished their home games strongly, scoring six times and yet to concede after the break. Bilbao on the other hand, have conceded 11 times in the second half of their league games to date, scoring on just four occasions in that same time frame.

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That lack of steel in the final stages means there's a longshot angle to this game too. The main selection and stake should be on Espanyol to win the second period at 13/10 (2.30) but 888Sport also offer 11/1 (12.0) on the home team to win after going behind. This can be found under the "Match Events" menu and looks overpriced at a double figure quote.

The visitors have started strongly on occasion on the road, taking the lead against Betis and Barcelona before being pegged back.

Given how impressive Espanyol have been on home soil it would be no surprise if they came back from an early deficit to triumph. At 11/1 (12.0) they're worth chancing to do just that with 888Sport.

Espanyol to win the second half at 13/10 (2.30) for a 2pt stake and Espnayol to win from behind at 11/1 (12.0) for a 0.5pt stake with 888Sport 888Sport