La Liga, Barcelona Vs. Espanyol Derby: Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups, And Betting Tips
Match Preview
Lionel Messi and Co. will welcome Espanyol in the Catalan derby as Barcelona look to cut the gap with Real Madrid in La Liga.
This week, there will be no Real Madrid game in Spanish football as the 32-time La Liga are currently participating in FIFA Club World Cup. So, Barcelona has a chance to reduce the gap between them and the league leader to three points.
After the draw in El Clasico, Barcelona won against Osasuna in the league, thanks to a Lionel Messi masterclass. The Argentine scored two, with the second goal reminiscent of the old Messi who used to dribble past virtually everyone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJtwYMql0mk
Barcelona traveled to the Middle East in mid-week, to play a friendly game against Qatari side Al Hili. The fabled “MSN” trio all featured in the game and scored too, as the Blaugrana won 5-3.
Team News: Barcelona
Neymar didn’t feature in the last La Liga game against Osasuna, but the Brazilian participated in the friendly game in Qatar. He is likely to participate in the upcoming derby match.
Luis Suárez signs on at FC Barcelona until 2021! https://t.co/800VH6cwle #Suarez2021 pic.twitter.com/RchmG0NM2D
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 17, 2016
Barcelona fans are happy to hear that Luis Suarez, who has been one of the most important players for the club, has signed a new long-term contract. The Uruguayan is expected to lead the line once again against Espanyol.
Midfielder Andre Gomes started in the Osasuna game. He may get another start after putting in a decent performance in that game.
French international Samual Umtiti arguably is the only player Barcelona signed this summer who has played up to the “Barcelona standard.” Umtiti could start at the heart of defense alongside Gerard Pique, which means a much needed rest for the aging Mascherano.
Barcelona: Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
ter Stegen – Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba – Iniesta, Gomes, Busquets – Messi, Suarez, Neymar
Team News: Espanyol
Striker Leo Baptistao, who scored the second goal for his side against Sporting Gijon in their last game, is a doubt, with Felipe Caicedo likely to start if Baptistao doesn’t recover in time.
Hernan Perez was injured in the last game. In his absence, Jose Jurado could get another opportunity to enter into starting XI.
Espanyol: Predicted Lineup (4-4-1-1)
Diego Lopez – Martin, Reyes, Sanchez, David Lopez – Gullon, Fuego, Baptistao, Jurado – Gerard, Caicedo
Barcelona vs. Espanyol: Head-to-Head
Total games: 164
Barcelona wins: 94
Espanyol wins: 34
Draws: 36
Barcelona vs. Espanyol: TV Schedule and Channel
???? Find out when and where you can catch #FCBEspanyol around the world: https://t.co/d6yLL9qAXS pic.twitter.com/3l5Gsx8a92
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 17, 2016
In the U.S., the match will be live on beIN SPORTS USA, fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A., and beIN SPORTS en Espanol. In the U.K., the match will be live on NOW TV UK, Sky Sports 1/HD UK, SKY GO Extra, and Sky Go UK. For other regions, the TV schedule can be found in the link here.
Barcelona vs. Espanyol: Prediction
In the games at the Camp Nou, Barcelona has almost always thrashed their local rivals, and we expect this to occur in the coming derby as well.
Final Predicted Score: Barcelona 4-1 Espanyol
? #FCBEspanyol derby preparations underway with a training session following a two day break! More photos here: https://t.co/gmNxsViWeG pic.twitter.com/QOCyIC4Wwi
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 17, 2016
Barcelona vs. Espanyol: Betting Tips and Odds
- Barcelona win: 1/10
- A draw: 10/1
- Espanyol win: 25/1
- Under 2.5 goals: 11/5
- Over 2.5 goals: 3/10
- Both teams score: 5/4
- Both teams fail to score: 4/7
The odds were provided by Paddypower.
Key Stats to consider
- Barcelona has not lost in 30 of their last 33 home games (La Liga).
- Espanyol has not conceded a single goal in their last four outings (La Liga).
- There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Barcelona’s last three home matches (La Liga).
- There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Espanyol’s last four outings (La Liga).
- Barcelona has won just two of their last five competitive matches in all competitions.
- Barcelona has kept clean sheets in their last two competitive games.
The Barcelona vs. Espanyol stats were provided by Whoscored.
Barcelona vs. Espanyol: Live Stream
The match can be streamed live online by clicking at this link. The link will be updated just before kick-off.
[Featured Image by AK BijuRaj/Getty Images]
