An excellent start to the season shows no sign of stopping for Barcelona, as Hansi Flick’s side sit six points clear at the La Liga summit.
The Catalonian giants extended their advantage at the top in dominant fashion last weekend with a stunning 4-0 win to end Real Madrid’s long unbeaten sequence in the first El Clasico of the campaign.
As you would expect, Espanyol will be the massive outsiders in the derby this weekend. The visitors have lost four of their last five in La Liga, and sit outside of the relegation placed by just one point.
Odds
Barcelona are the shortest price of any side in La Liga this weekend at -840. The draw is a lofty +1100, with an away win easy to overlook at +1625.
| Match Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | -840 |
| Draw | +1100 |
| Espanyol | +1625 |
Two Draws in Last Three Catalonia Derbies
| Total | Barcelona | Espanyol | Draws | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 53 | 31 | 5 | 17 |
| La Liga Games | 38 | 25 | 2 | 11 |
| Goals | 131 | 99 | 32 |
Barcelona have won 21 of the last 29 matches between the sides across all competitions, with Espanyol’s only victory being recorded in the Copa del Rey in January 2018.
However, two draws have been played out in the last three meetings, which includes a 1-1 stalemate in this exact fixture last term. But, Barcelona’s scoring record this term opens up value in the over 4.0 goals market.
🚨⚽ TIP: Over 4.00 Goals @ -124
Barcelona vs. Espanyol Key Stats
- Barcelona have scored a league-high of 37 goals this term. Averaging 3.36 goals per game.
- The hosts have netted 15 in front of their home fans at the Olympic Stadium, with just two goals conceded.
- Espanyol have failed to win in five away matches this season, scoring just twice.
Barcelona Team News
Flick continues to battle a mounting injury list in the defensive positions. Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen are all out. Ferran Torres could return next weekend, but Marc ter Stegen is out for the remainder of the season.
Possible Lineup
Inaki Pena (GK); Jules Kounde, Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Pedri, Marc Casado, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski
Espanyol Team News
Naci Unuvar and Jose Gragera are both doubts for this weekend’s clash in Barcelona. Fernando Calero is out until after the international break, while Eduardo Exposito faces a late fitness test.
Possible Lineup
Joan Garcia (GK); Omar El Hilali, Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Brian Olivan, Alvaro Tejero, Pol Lozano, Alex Kral, Jofre Carreras, Javier Puado, Walid Cheddira
Barcelona vs. Espanyol Prediction
It is incredibly challenging to overlook the in-form hosts when making a prediction this weekend.
Barcelona have been dominant in front of goal this season, meaning that the best betting angle could come in the form of the hosts covering the spread.
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