Prediction: Espanyol vs FC Barcelona

Verdict: Barcelona to score over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 31/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Espanyol and FC Barcelona enter this game riding opposite runs of form. While the hosts are dead last in the standings and look like relegation candidates, the visitors are at the top of the standings and will aim to extend their lead over the second-placed team, Real Madrid. This thrilling Catalunya Derbi will kick-off Saturday at 20:00 GMT.

Espanyol

Espanyol enter this game on a poor run of form since they’re riding an eight-game winless streak dating back to last year in all competitions (D3, L5). To make things even more complicated, they are also winless in their last four home games (D2, L2). It’s clear this is not the run of form they would like to have ahead of a new edition of the Catalunya derbi, especially considering how good Barcelona have been playing of late. Espanyol have been seriously underperforming this term, and they enter this match sitting dead last in the Liga standings with only 10 points (W2, D4, L12) out of 18 matches. Los Pericos have won just twice all season long, and look like relegation candidates unless they can perform a dramatic turnaround on their form. Do they have what it takes to move themselves out of the relegation zone before it’s too late?

Team News

Espanyol will be without Esteban Granero due to a suspension. Matias Vargas has been ruled due to an ankle injury. Furthermore, Sebastian Corchia (knee) and Victor Sanchez (knee) are both questionable. Their availability should be revealed closer to kick-off.

FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona begin the New Year at the top of the Liga standings with 39 points (W12, D3, L3) and they edge Real Madrid by a slim two-point margin at the moment. Los Blaugranas have built another impressive season thanks to their strong attacking unit (averaging 2.61 goals per game) and although they still need to tweak a few things defensively, they look like title contenders once again. Los Blaugranas have been a bit inconsistent when playing on the road, however, notching just four wins out of nine matches (W4, D2, L3). They enter this game on a three-game undefeated streak away from home (W2, D1) and have the edge of going up against a side that is yet to win at home this season. Undoubtedly, Barcelona should be considered as favourites and they couldn’t have asked for a better matchup to start the year.

Team News

Arthur and Ousmane Dembele have been ruled out of this match. Both players are currently dealing with thigh injuries. Starting goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is doubtful due to a knee injury. Sergi Roberto (eye) and Ansu Fati (hip) have also been listed as questionable.

Key Factors to Consider

• Espanyol own the league’s worst attack (12 goals scored) and defence (34 goals conceded).
• Barcelona, on the other hand, have the strongest attack (47 goals scored). But they “only” feature the joint fifth-best defensive record (21 goals allowed).
• Espanyol are winless at home this season. They have taken just two points out of 27 available (D2, L7).
• Barcelona have scored exactly once beyond the 75th minute mark in each of their last three competitive away wins.
• Four of the last five H2H Liga meetings between these two sides have seen only one side scoring. Three of those contests featured three or more goals.

Conclusion

Barcelona’s scoring power once again paces the league, and Espanyol have the league’s worst defensive unit. They do not seem to have enough weapons to cope with Barca’s attacking talent. Therefore, I’d expect Barcelona to score at least three goals in this match regardless of the final result.

Verdict: Barcelona to score over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 31/20

Bookmaker: 888sport