Nobody will be keener to end Barcelona‘s recent good form than Espanyol, and they have the chance to do just that as they host the Blaugrana in Sunday night’s Catalan derby in LaLiga Santander.
Although they have been recently eliminated from both the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana, Barcelona have enjoyed a real upturn in form in LaLiga Santander with Xavi Hernandez on the bench. In fact, they have climbed from eighth to fourth under the former midfielder and therefore currently occupy the final Champions League qualification place.
Espanyol, for their part, haven’t managed a win this calendar year, last claiming three points at Mestalla on New Year’s Eve and picking up just one point from their last four games – against Elche, Cadiz, Real Betis and Athletic Club.
Espanyol vs Barcelona predicted line-ups
The hosts will have to do without the suspended Oscar Gil and could miss Fernando Calero, who is an injury doubt. But they will have Raul de Tomas returning from suspension.
Barcelona will be without Dani Alves after his dismissal against Atletico Madrid, and Samuel Umtiti, Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto and Alejandro Balde remain out of contention with injuries.
Espanyol’s predicted line-up (4-3-3): Diego Lopez; Aleix Vidal, Sergi Gomez, Leandro Cabrera, Adria Pedrosa; Yangel Herrera, Keidi Bare, Sergi Darder; Tonny Vilhena, Raul de Tomas, Javi Puado.
Barcelona’s predicted line-up (4-3-3): Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Sergino Dest, Ronald Araujo, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba; Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets, Pedri; Adama Traore, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres.
When does Espanyol vs Barcelona start?
Espanyol vs Barcelona kicks off in Catalonia at 21:00 local time, making that a 20:00 kick off for UK-based viewers. LaLiga Santander fans watching in the United States will find kick off at 15:00 ET and 12:00 PT.
Where can I watch Espanyol vs Barcelona?
Espanyol vs Barcelona will be available to watch in the UK on LaLigaTV and Premier Sports 1. For those viewing in the US, Espanyol vs Barcelona can be followed on ESPN+.
