A derby between a total outsider and the tournament leader. In the current Primera Espanyol is 20th, last, and Barcelona is 1st, with 29 points between the rivals. The Parrots will most likely be leaving the top division. But even that is something the fans will be able to forgive if the Pericos manage to beat the decorated rival.
In the history of matches between the teams, Espanyol has never defeated Barça in the Spanish championship since 2016. But there was one victory over the Catalans in a friendly and one match in the Copa del Rey. The maximum Espanyol can hope for in this home game is a draw. Since 2016, as part of the national championship, 2 matches between the teams within the national championship ended in a draw.
These events could happen again only as long as the team manages to keep up the defense through the match. Otherwise Barça will find its way to the rival’s goal and score heavily. Since 2015, the Blue-Garnet team defeated the parrots with a difference of 3 or more goals in 6 out of 15 matches (including friendlies, the Copa del Rey and the Copa Catalunya). Handicap Team 2: -2.5 with 3.78 odds in 22Bet line.
The advantage of the visiting team lies in the lineup. Messi, Luis Suarez and Griezmann can secure the victory of Barça relying on their skill alone, while Ter Stegen can keep the goal safe. In their turn, the hosting team will do their best to make a nice exit from the tournament, coming out on the field with a hope for a draw.
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Teams on the field
Espanyol (4-4-2): Diego Lopez; Pedrosa, Calero, David Lopez, Javi Lopez; Dídac Vila, Darder, Roca, Melendo; Calleri, Wu Lei.
Barcelona (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Alba, Lenglet, Pique, Semedo; De Jong, Busquets, Rakitic; Griezmann, Suarez, Messi.