Matchday 8 of the 2026/27 La Liga season brings Málaga against Espanyol at La Rosaleda, Málaga on Fri 9 Oct, 21:00 CEST. Málaga are 20th in the La Liga table on 3 points from 7 games (3 scored, 12 conceded). They lost to Getafe away last time out (0–1). Espanyol are 15th in the La Liga table on 7 points from 7 games (10 scored, 10 conceded). They lost to Elche at home last time out (1–3). Larrubia and Zaragoza are among the key names as both sides look to build on the opening seven rounds.
Málaga: team news
Málaga lined up in a 4-1-4-1 shape in their most recent league outing. Málaga are 20th in the La Liga table on 3 points from 7 games (3 scored, 12 conceded). They lost to Getafe away last time out (0–1). Larrubia and Jauregui carry the main attacking threat into this one.
Málaga Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-1-4-1
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Espanyol: team news
Espanyol used a 4-2-3-1 setup last time out. Espanyol are 15th in the La Liga table on 7 points from 7 games (10 scored, 10 conceded). They lost to Elche at home last time out (1–3). Zaragoza and Cala are the players most likely to influence the game for the visitors.
Where it turns
Expect Málaga to look for early control at La Rosaleda, Málaga; Espanyol will need a disciplined defensive shape to stay in the game against the run of play.
Past meetings
Both sides return from the October international break for this Matchday 8 fixture, with squads reassembling from a mix of club and international duty — team news in the 48 hours before kick-off will matter more than usual.
FPL picks to watch
- Larrubia (Málaga): featured in their most recent starting XI.
- Zaragoza (Espanyol): featured in their most recent starting XI.
- Predicted lineups below are drawn from each club's actual starting XI in their last league match.
Our call
Málaga's home record makes them slight favourites on paper, but Espanyol have shown they can trouble stronger sides this season.