Softfootball previews the highly-anticipated La Liga derby between Barcelona and Espanyol, highlighting predictions, team news, and potential starting lineups for Sunday’s clash at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
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Match Preview
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, approaches this derby with significant momentum following their emphatic 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in El Clasico. This triumph, propelled by standout performances from Robert Lewandowski (two goals), Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha, boosted their position at the top of La Liga by six points. Now, with Real Madrid’s weekend fixture against Valencia postponed due to severe flooding, Barça has the opportunity to stretch their lead to nine points.
The Catalan giants have showcased formidable form, winning 10 of their 11 La Liga matches, netting 37 goals. Their current run hints at continued dominance, especially with winnable fixtures against Espanyol, Red Star Belgrade, and Real Sociedad before the international break. Barça’s unbeaten streak against Espanyol spans 26 La Liga games, with 102 wins in 176 historical encounters.
Leading the charge is Lewandowski, whose prolific season boasts 17 goals in 14 appearances. Raphinha adds to the attacking power with 10 goals and nine assists, while the young sensation Yamal has contributed six goals and seven assists in the 2024-25 campaign.
Espanyol’s Challenge
Espanyol’s recent history against Barcelona has been less than favorable, yet two of their last three La Liga meetings ended in draws, including a 1-1 tie in the 2022-23 season. Returning to La Liga after earning promotion through the Segunda Division playoffs, Espanyol currently sits 17th, with 10 points from 11 matches. Their inconsistent form includes three wins, one draw, and seven losses, paired with a leaky defense that has conceded 19 goals, among the worst in the league.
Last weekend, Espanyol suffered a 2-0 league defeat to Sevilla but rebounded with a morale-boosting 4-0 victory over San Tirso in the Copa del Rey, featuring a hat trick from Alejo Veliz. This derby, however, presents a formidable challenge as they aim to secure points ahead of a crucial match against Valencia post-international break.
Team News Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s squad remains without Ferran Torres, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, and Ronald Araujo. Eric Garcia is also doubtful due to a muscle issue. The main lineup will closely mirror the one fielded against Real Madrid, but with possible starts for Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo over Marc Casado and Fermin Lopez. Gavi, still recovering from a knee injury, may not make the starting XI.
Expected Barcelona Starting XI: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Team News for Espanyol
Manolo Gonzalez’s side sees Alejo Veliz pushing for a starting role following his standout Copa del Rey performance. Pol Lozano’s muscular problem rules him out, but Jose Gragera is fit to return. Injuries continue to sideline Fernando Calero and Edu Exposito. Changes from the midweek match are anticipated, with Alex Kral, Joan Garcia, and Alvaro Tejero expected to be reinstated.
Expected Espanyol Starting XI: Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Olivan; Tejero, Kral, Gragera, Carreras; Puado, Veliz.
Prediction Espanyol might pose some resistance, and a goal for the visitors is not out of the question. Nevertheless, with Barcelona’s recent performances and attacking prowess, they are well-positioned to claim another win and solidify their place at the top of La Liga. Expect Flick’s side to extend their lead in the title race with a comprehensive victory.
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