Espanyol vs Barcelona Preview: Team News & Prediction
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It is the Barcelona derby at the RCDE Stadium this midweek and it has more riding on it than usual as Barcelona could win the league title, once again, at the home of their city rivals.
Kick-off date/time: Thursday 15th May, 2025: UK – 8:30pm / US ET – 3:30pm / US PT – 12:30pm
How to watch on TV: UK – ITV & Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Espanyol vs Barcelona may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – ITVX & Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Espanyol Preview: Mid-table Espanyol
Having gained promotion to the top-flight last season, Espanyol started the campaign relatively slowly but they have enjoyed an impressive second-half of the campaign. That said, the Catalans have now drifted down away from the middle-of-the-table.
Manolo Gonzalez’ side come into this one on the back of a third successive loss as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Leganes at Butarque in the Community of Madrid at the weekend in a game in which they were 3-0 down to relegation-battling Lega.
Barcelona Preview: Domestic double
Barcelona can confirm the domestic double this midweek if they defeat Espanyol having pulled off yet another thrilling El Clasico victory at the weekend as they fought back from 2-0 down early on to eventually defeat Real Madrid by four goals to three in Catalonia.
Hansi Flick’s side won the Copa del Rey last month with a 3-2 defeat of Madrid after extra-time at La Cartuja in Seville but the Blaugrana had their treble hopes ended last week with a 7-6 aggregate loss to Internazionale in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Espanyol Team News: Couple of doubts
Ahead of the visit of Barcelona across the city this week, Espanyol have no fresh injury concerns or suspension issues. The hosts do have a couple of doubts that remain such as defender Brian Olivan and midfielder Pol Lozano.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Joan Garcia; Fernando Calero, Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera; Jofre Carreras, Edu Exposito, Urko Gonzalez, Kral, Carlos Romero; Javi Puado, Roberto Fernandez
Unavailable:
Questionable: Brian Olivan (Injured), Pol Lozano (Injured)
Barcelona Team News: Inigo Martinez suspended
As they make the trip to Catalonia this weekend, Barcelona will be without former Athletic Club and Real Sociedad centre-back Inigo Martinez as he is missing through suspension. Fellow defenders Pau Cubarsi and Jules Kounde are also doubtful.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Christensen, Alex Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Unavailable: Inigo Martinez (Suspended), Marc Bernal (Injured), Dani Rodriguez (Injured)
Questionable: Pau Cubarsi (Illness), Kounde (Injured)
Espanyol vs Barcelona Prediction
Espanyol have endured a difficult run of form of late. They had been very impressive in this calendar year but appear to now be on the beach. Preventing Barca winning the title on their pitch, though, should be a big motivation. Barcelona have scored 167 goals in their 57 matches across all competitions and they will seek to put their foot down to secure the title in style here. They are favourites and backing a fun watch for the neutral is always a good bet with Flick’s Barca.
Espanyol vs Barcelona Tip: Barcelona to win & over 2.5 goals
