Verdict: Barcelona win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Marking their return from Spain’s festive break on Saturday night, Barcelona will travel across Catalonia when they meet bitter local rivals Espanyol.
Espanyol
Starting with the hosts, while Espanyol might have spent the majority of last season looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, the Parakeets have come roaring back in a sensational fashion this time around. Already cementing their spot as one of Europe’s ultimate surprise packages this season, Manolo Gonzalez’s men are enjoying what has become quite the purple patch. Getting the New Year underway sat within touching distance of finding a route into the Champions League spots, Espanyol should be relishing a stern examination when their bitter local rivals arrive at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday night. Last seen heading into Spain’s festive break with a stellar 2-1 victory away at Athletic Bilbao, Gonzalez’s men have remarkably won all of their previous five consecutive La Liga appearances and they will be confident of asking some serious questions this weekend.
Espanyol Team News
Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance since the start of October, academy graduate Javi Puado will miss out through suspension here. Away with the D.R. Congo at this month’s AFCON, Charles Pickel will once again miss out this weekend.
Completing a permanent switch from Portuguese giants Braga over the summer, Roberto Fernandez Jean will spearhead Espanyol’s charge in the final third. Likewise, gaining a string of plaudits after arriving from Championship outfit Blackburn back in July, Thrhys Dolan will feature in attack.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, making real history last season as they secured a 28th domestic crown, Barcelona have their sights firmly set on completing an iconic domestic silverware sweep in 2026. Last seen heading into Spain’s festive break with a rugged 2-0 victory away at Villarreal, Hansi Flick’s men are riding a stunning wave of momentum. Cruising their way to a Champions League knockout stage ticket, the former Bayern Munich boss will be calling on his defending champions to make another statement here. Getting the New Year underway holding a four-point buffer over arch-rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona have won all of their previous seven consecutive appearances across all competitions. Landing a 2-0 win when they last travelled to the RCDE Stadium back in May, Flick’s side will be dreaming of a repeat display this weekend.
Barcelona Team News
Given time off last month in order to focus on his mental health, Ronald Araujo could return to Flick’s squad on Saturday night and make a first appearance since November 25th. However, still dealing with a long-term knee injury, Spanish international Gavi remains on the sidelines and will not play any part.
Already notching just 11 La Liga strikes so far this season and with only Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe (18) recording more top-flight goals, ex-Manchester City ace Ferran Torres should lead the line here. Likewise, registering 14 direct goal contributions in as many appearances so far this season (seven goals, seven assists), 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal will play a leading role attack.
Espanyol vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona last travelled to the RCDE Stadium back in May, the reigning Spanish champions secured a 2-0 victory.
- In fact, Barca have won all of their last three showdowns against Espanyol by an aggregate score of 9-3.
- Barcelona have won all of their previous seven consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- Enjoying what has become a record-breaking flurry, Espanyol have won all of their previous five consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- Bagging 11 La Liga strikes so far this season, only Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe (18) has recorded more top-flight goals than Ferran Torres.
Conclusion
While Espanyol might remarkably open the New Year sat within touching distance of skyrocketing their way into the Champions League spots, Saturday’s hosts will be more than aware that they face an almighty challenge when they bitter local rivals arrive at the RCDE Stadium. Falling to a 2-0 loss when they last welcomed Barcelona across Catalonia back in May, the reigning Spanish champions will be desperate to widen their buffer at the top of the La Liga table here. With Flick’s side winning each of their previous three showdowns by an aggregate score of 9-3, Barca will be hoping to make another title statement this weekend.
Verdict: Barcelona win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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