The Catalan Derby between Barcelona and Espanyol is set for November 3rd, 2024, at Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys. Barcelona, in top form and leading LaLiga with 30 points, is heavily favored. They’re on a hot streak, recently dismantling Real Madrid 4-0.
Barcelona has not tasted defeat against Espanyol since January 2018, remaining unbeaten in 11 encounters. Espanyol, meanwhile, is struggling in 17th place with just 10 points. The weather will be overcast at 12°C, perfect for a thrilling match.
Given Barcelona’s dominance and Espanyol’s faltering form, we predict a clear Barcelona win. With players like Lewandowski firing on all cylinders and the “Flick Effect” drawing huge crowds, a bet on Barcelona to win is recommended.
Barcelona vs. Espanyol Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the disparity between the two teams’ performances and standings, our top betting tip for this match is a Barcelona win. Here’s why:
- Home dominance: Barcelona have scored in every home match this season and have been in stellar form, winning their last five games.
- Lewandowski effect: With 14 goals in 11 matches, Lewandowski leads LaLiga’s scoring charts and is in superb touch.
- Espanyol’s struggles: Espanyol, on the other hand, have lost four of their last five league matches and are currently 17th in the table.
| Barcelona vs. Espanyol Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Barcelona to win | 1.14 |
- Barcelona’s firepower: Barcelona average 4.20 goals in their last five games.
- Recent performance: Barcelona have five consecutive wins, while Espanyol have four losses in their last five league matches.
- Bookmaker favourite: Barcelona are heavily favoured with odds of 1.09, highlighting the expected dominance.
Barcelona vs. Espanyol Odds
When examining the odds for this Catalan Derby, it’s evident that Barcelona are the clear favorites. They have been in phenomenal form, topping La Liga and entering this match on the back of a stunning 4-0 victory against Real Madrid. On the flip side, Espanyol’s recent struggles place them near the relegation zone. Here’s how the bookmakers see it:
| Barcelona vs. Espanyol Betting Odds | |—————————————————|—————————-| | Bet | Odds | | Barcelona | 1.09 | | Draw | 11.38 | | Espanyol | 21.74 |
Barcelona’s b form and home advantage make their odds relatively low, highlighting their expected dominance. Betting on a draw or an Espanyol win offers higher returns, reflecting the likelihood of these outcomes being much lower.
Barcelona Team Analysis
Barcelona Recent Performance WWWWW
Barcelona has been unstoppable recently, securing five consecutive victories in all competitions. Their most recent triumphs include a dominant 4-0 win over arch-rivals Real Madrid and comprehensive victories against Bayern Munich and Sevilla. Recent Form: WWWWW
Average Goals Scored: 4.20
Clean Sheets: 3 in the last 5 games.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | Barcelona | 0-4 (Win) |
| Barcelona | Bayern Munich | 4-1 (Win) |
| Barcelona | Sevilla | 5-1 (Win) |
| Deportivo Alaves | Barcelona | 0-3 (Win) |
| Barcelona | Young Boys | 5-0 (Win) |
Barcelona has been prolific in front of goal, averaging over four goals per game and demonstrating their defensive solidity with three clean sheets in their last five outings. With key players returning from injury, they are in prime form heading into the Catalan Derby.
Barcelona Key Players
Barcelona’s key players for the upcoming derby against Espanyol include their prolific forward Robert Lewandowski, who has already netted 14 goals in 11 matches this season. His sharp form in front of goal makes him a constant threat. Another key player is Pedri, who has been instrumental in midfield alongside Frenkie de Jong, providing stability and creativity. Dani Olmo’s vision and passing ability will also be crucial in breaking down Espanyol’s defense. Iñaki Peña will be guarding the posts, continuing his excellent form. On the wings, watch out for the pace and trickery of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Expected lineup for Barcelona:
- Goalkeeper: Iñaki Peña
- Defenders: Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Íñigo Martínez, Álex Balde
- Midfielders: Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo
- Attackers: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski
Barcelona Suspensions & Injuries
Barcelona enters the derby with Espanyol dealing with several key injuries, which could impact their squad depth and options.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ronald Araujo | Hamstring Injury | Late December 2024 |
| Andreas Christensen | Achilles tendon injury | Late November 2024 |
| Marc Bernal | Cruciate ligament injury | Early May 2025 |
| Marc-Andre ter Stegen | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Ferrán Torres | Hamstring Injury | Mid-November 2024 |
| Eric García | Muscle injury | Mid-November 2024 |
Although key players like Araujo and Christensen remain sidelined, the recent return of Frenkie de Jong will bolster their midfield stability. However, the absence of Ter Stegen is significant, though Iñaki Peña’s excellent form has alleviated this concern.
Barcelona will need to lean on their squad depth and maintain their b form despite these absences.
Barcelona Tactics and Formation
Barcelona Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Robert Lewandowski
- Midfield Duo: Pedri, Frenkie de Jong
- Defensive Trio: Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsí, Íñigo Martinez
Barcelona, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, has utilized a dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on high pressing and quick counter-attacks. Lewandowski remains the focal point in attack, with 14 goals this season, while De Jong and Pedri provide stability in midfield, controlling the tempo and enabling swift transitions. Defensively, Jules Kounde and Íñigo Martinez have been instrumental, contributing to three clean sheets in the last five games. With their potent attack averaging 4.2 goals per game, Barcelona aims to maintain pressure on Espanyol from all fronts.
Espanyol Team Analysis
Espanyol Recent Performance WLLWL
Espanyol has shown rocky form recently. Out of their last five matches, they have registered two wins and three losses. They managed to secure a comfortable win against San Tirso SD but struggled against ber competition like Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao. Espanyol’s average goals scored in the last five games stand at 1.40, while they have only kept one clean sheet. These stats highlight their defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistency in attack.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| San Tirso SD | Espanyol | 0-4 (Win) |
| Espanyol | Sevilla | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Athletic Bilbao | Espanyol | 4-1 (Loss) |
| Espanyol | Mallorca | 2-1 (Win) |
| Real Betis | Espanyol | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Espanyol will need to step up significantly against Barcelona to get a positive result in this derby clash. |
Espanyol Key Players
Expected lineup for Espanyol:
- Goalkeeper: Joan García
- Defenders: Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Brian Oliván
- Midfielders: Omar El Hilali, Álex Kral, Álvaro Aguado, Carlos Romero
- Forwards: Jofre Carreras, Javi Puado, Alejo Veliz
Espanyol’s key players include Javi Puado, their top scorer with three goals this season. His ability to find space and finish chances will be crucial. Alejo Veliz will look to provide offensive support, creating openings against Barcelona’s defense led by Jules Kounde and Íñigo Martinez. Álex Kral in the midfield is expected to orchestrate play and challenge Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, making for an interesting midfield battle. Joan García, starting in goal, will be vital in keeping Espanyol competitive against Barcelona’s potent attack, led by Robert Lewandowski.
Espanyol Suspensions & Injuries
Espanyol is dealing with several injury concerns that could impact their performance in this derby:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Eduardo Expósito | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid November 2024 |
| Fernando Calero | Muscle injury | Mid November 2024 |
| Naci Ünüvar | Physical discomfort | Doubtful |
| José Gragera | Thigh injury | Mid November 2024 |
| Pol Lozano | Muscle injury | Mid November 2024 |
The absence of Eduardo Expósito and Fernando Calero, who are both sidelined with significant injuries, will be particularly felt. Naci Ünüvar’s uncertain status adds to the concerns, weakening their midfield depth. With multiple players out, Espanyol’s bench looks thin, potentially making it difficult to cope with Barcelona’s relentless attack.
Espanyol Tactics and Formation
Espanyol’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Alejo Veliz
- Midfield Setup:
- Right Midfielder: Omar El Hilali
- Central Midfielders: Alex Kral and Álvaro Aguado
- Left Midfielder: Carlos Romero
- Defensive Line:
- Central Backs: Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Brian Oliván
- Creative Hub:
- Attacking Midfielders: Jofre Carreras and Javi Puado
Espanyol’s formation of 3-4-2-1 aims to offer defensive solidity while allowing quick transitions. The presence of three central backs highlights their defensive priority, especially against Barcelona’s potent attack.
In midfield, the duo of Alex Kral and Álvaro Aguado will look to control the tempo and disrupt Barcelona’s play. Omar El Hilali and Carlos Romero add width and provide support to both defense and attack.
The attacking responsibilities will fall heavily on Javi Puado and the forward Alejo Veliz, who will need to capitalize on counter-attacks and set-piece opportunities.
Barcelona vs. Espanyol Head-to-Head Statistics
Analyzing the last five meetings between Barcelona and Espanyol reveals an interesting history:
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Espanyol | Barcelona | 2-4 |
| Barcelona | Espanyol | 1-1 |
| Espanyol | Barcelona | 2-2 |
| Barcelona | Espanyol | 1-0 |
| Barcelona | Espanyol | 1-0 |
Barcelona has generally had the upper hand over Espanyol in recent encounters, evident from their three wins out of the last five clashes. Espanyol managed to secure draws in two matches, showcasing their ability to confront tougher opposition. The goals scored by Barcelona in these fixtures highlight their offensive strength, a significant advantage as they head into this upcoming match.
Venue and Weather
Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys, with a capacity of approximately 55,000 seats, is set to host this eagerly anticipated LaLiga derby between Barcelona and Espanyol. Known for its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere, it promises to be an electric venue.
The weather forecast for match day indicates overcast clouds, with a temperature of 12°C, humidity at 65%, and wind speed at 1.2 m/s. These conditions could influence the pace of the game, particularly benefiting the home team, Barcelona, known for their possession-based play.
Expect Espanyol to adopt a more compact and defensive strategy, considering their lower position and aiming to handle the slick playing surface efficiently.
Barcelona vs Espanyol Live streaming in India
The live streaming of FC Barcelona vs Espanyol , El Clasico clash in La Liga 2024-25 will be available for FREE through the Galaxy Racer (GXR) website (gxr.world) in India
