Espanyol vs Barcelona Preview: Team News & Prediction
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The Barcelona derby takes place at the RCDE Stadium in Catalonia as high-flying and La Liga’s surprise package, Espanyol, welcome cross city rivals Barcelona.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / 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 – Disney+ / US – ESPN+
Espanyol preview: High-flying Espanyol
Espanyol, with Manolo Gonzalez still at the helm but following a takeover of the cliub led by Burnley owner Alan Pace in the summer, begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting just outside of the top four and the UEFA Champions League spots.
The hosts went into the winter break on the back of a 2-1 win against Athletic Club at San Mames in the Basque Country, continuing their excellent form and extending their winning streak to five matches in La Liga.
Barcelona preview: Defending their title
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are four points clear at the top-of-the-able after 18 matches, ahead of jetting off to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Supercopa in midweek. The Blaugrana haven’t been at their fluent best this season as opposed to last year.
That said, the Catalans went into the break on the back of an impressive 2-0 defeat of seeming title challengers Villarreal at El Madrigal a fortnight ago, courtesy of strikes from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
Espanyol team news: A few issues
Charles Pickel is unavailable as he is away at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, as they deal with midfield injuries to the likes of Ramon Terrats, Pere Milla and Javi Puado.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero; Pol Lozano, Urko Gonzalez, Edu Exposito; Dolan, Roberto Fernandez, Jofre Carreras
Unavailable: Pickel (International duty), Ramon Terrats (Injured)
Questionable: Pere Milla (Injured), Javi Puado (Injured)
Barcelona team news: Midfield injuries
Barcelona are dealing with some midfield injury issues for this one as both Dani Olmo and Pedri remain doubtful for the visitors, while Gavi is a confirmed absentee.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Alex Balde; Marc Casado, De Jong; Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha; Ferran Torres
Unavailable: Christensen (Injured), Ronald Araujo (Personal reasons), Gavi (Injured)
Questionable: Kounde (Injured), Dani Olmo (Injured), Pedri (Injured)
Espanyol vs Barcelona prediction
Espanyol went into this season with a bit more ambition than they have had in recent La Liga seasons, which has been especially interesting given they survived relegation on the final day of last season. They have also majorly improved by playing quite an attacking style of football. That may actually play into the hands of their arch-rivals and an entertaining away win would have to be viewed as the likeliest outcome for this one at the RCDE Stadium.
Espanyol vs Barcelona tip: Barcelona to win & over 2.5 goals
