Barcelona vs Espanyol Preview: Team News & Prediction
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We have a Catalan derby whereby Barcelona are under a bit of pressure but perhaps having no focus on it as the Blaugrana welcome local rivals Espanyol to Camp Nou.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – ESPN+
Barcelona preview: Beaten Barca
Hansi Flick and his Barcelona side succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first-leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie in midweek due to goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth.
The Blaugrana, after coming from behind at the Metropolitano to beat Atleti 2-1 last week, begin this weekend’s round of fixtures in La Liga sitting seven points clear of Real Madrid at the top-of-the-table.
Espanyol preview: Mid-table Espanyol
After a very impressive start to the season, Espanyol have majorly drifted down into the middle-of-the-table and they are on a long winless run of form, albeit they remain in the hunt for the European spots.
The visitors come into this one on the back of a goalless draw with Real Betis at La Cartuja last weekend, extending their winless run of form to 13 matches since beating Athletic Club just before Christmas.
Barcelona team news: Pedri a doubt
Barcelona had to replace Pedri in midweek due to injury and so he is now a doubt for this one, while Raphinha remains a crucial injury absentee for the Blaugrana this weekend.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, Cancelo; Marc Casado, Gavi; Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo; Rashford
Unavailable: Christensen (Injured), Marc Bernal (Injured), Raphinha (Injured)
Questionable: De Jong (Injured), Pedri (Injured)
Espanyol team news: Riedel suspended
Espanyol will be without Clemens Riedel, as he is missing through suspension, while experienced attacker Javi Puado remains a long-term absentee due to a knee injury.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero; Ngonge, Urko Gonzalez, Pol Lozano, Dolan; Edu Exposito, Roberto Fernandez
Unavailable: Riedel (Suspended), Javi Puado (Injured)
Questionable:
Barcelona vs Espanyol prediction
Barcelona will likely both rotate and have their focus elsewhere as they prepare for the second-leg of that tie against Atletico, especially with a hefty lead at the top in Spain. Espanyol will be motivated for this one as they travel across the city, seeking to disrupt a season that has unravelled in the Copa del Rey against Atleti and may now be doing so in the UEFA Champions League. Barca remain favourites but Espanyol may bloody their nose.
Barcelona vs Espanyol tip: Barcelona to win & both teams to score
