Prediction: Barcelona vs Espanyol

Verdict: Robert Lewandowski to score the first goal

Best Odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Looking to extend their buffer at the top of the La Liga table on Sunday afternoon, Barcelona will welcome local rivals Espanyol to the Nou Camp.

Barcelona

Starting with the hosts, while some might have been shocked over the summer as Hansi Flick arrived in Catalonia, Barcelona have embarked on a sensational rise under the German tactician. Laying down what was a famous El Clasico marker last weekend as they stormed their way to a 4-0 romp away at arch-rivals Real Madrid, the mood in their camp is at a red-hot high. Marking their return from October’s international break with a 5-1 victory at home against Sevilla, the Spanish giants currently hold a commanding six-point buffer at the top of the La Liga table. Likewise, collecting another heavyweight scalp last week as they clinched a 4-1 win against Bayern Munich, Barca are riding a stunning wave of momentum. Already putting 30 points on the board, there is no doubt that Flick’s high-flying squad will be smelling another golden opportunity here.

Team News

Sustaining what was a long-term knee injury last month, Barcelona are expected to be without German shot-stopper Marc-Andre her Stegen for the remainder of the season. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season, Ronald Araujo remains on the sidelines.

Bagging a sensational El Clasico brace in the capital last weekend and already registering 14 La Liga goals, Robert Lewandowski will be looking to extend on his tally here. Making a real impact this season, 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi will start at the heart of Flick’s defence.

Espanyol

As for the visitors, while Espanyol might have secured a La Liga return for this season, Manolo Gonzalez’s side have struggled to deal with the drastic step up in class. Putting in another downbeat performance last weekend as they fell to a 2-0 loss at home against Sevilla, the Parakeets are pencilled in as a leading relegation contender this year. Marking their return from October’s international break with a 4-1 drumming at the hands of Athletic Bilbao, Sunday’s guests are desperately seeking some kind of boost. Signing off September with a toothless 1-0 loss against Real Betis, Espanyol have come crashing back down to earth since their September flurry. In fact, Gonzalez’s men have lost five of their previous six La Liga appearances. Showing some glaring defensive struggles, the Parakeets have a monumental challenge on their hands here.

Team News

Yet to make a single La Liga appearance so far this season, former Eibar midfielder Exposito remains on the sidelines. Likewise, only getting a handful of minutes under his belt since arriving from Dutch outfit Twente over the summer, Turkish youngster Naci Unuvar will not feature on Sunday afternoon.

One-time West Ham loanee Alex Kral will start at the heart of Espanyol’s midfield and partner academy graduate Pol Lozano. Recording from a minor knock against Sevilla last weekend, Javi Puado will lead Gonzalez’s attack and look to record a fourth La Liga goals of the season.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Barcelona and Espanyol last met back in May 2023, Sunday’s hosts collected an action-packed 4-2 win at the RCDE Stadium.
• Barcelona are unbeaten in all of their previous 11 straight meetings against their Catalonia rivals across all competitions.
• Barca have won 10 of their first 11 La Liga appearances so far this season.
• Espanyol have lost five of their previous six showdowns against La Liga opposition.
• Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski has recorded 14 goals in his first 11 La Liga appearances this season.

Conclusion

Storming their way to an iconic 4-0 romp away at arch-rivals Real Madrid last weekend, Barcelona are in the midst of what has become an iconic purple patch. Holding a six-point buffer at the top of the La Liga table, Sunday’s hosts will be confident of laying down another marker in Catalonia. Claiming an action-packed 4-2 win when they meet their local rivals back in May 2023, they hold a dominant record against Espanyol. With the Parakeets losing five of their previous six La Liga showdowns, it is no surprise that Barca are pencilled in as a landslide contender this weekend.

Verdict: Robert Lewandowski to score the first goal

Best Odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: Dachbet