La Liga 2022-23: Barcelona vs Espanyol: Predicted lineup, injury news and head-to-head

Xavi and company are back in business, playing Espanyol in their first derby of the season on Saturday lunchtime.

A rejuvenated Barcelona will face Espanyol on Saturday afternoon, as half of the team was recuperating from injuries, several crucial players have returned, and for the first time under Xavi, Barcelona doesn't have any injured players. Their most recent encounter saw the Catalans overcome Osasuna 2-1 thanks to an injury-time goal from Raphinha, earning them the top spot.

While Espanyol is experiencing a poor season, with only two victories in 14 matches, and now stands in 16th position. They will want to conquer this difficult game to kick off the new year on a good statement, but Barcelona will make it challenging for them.

Kick-off: 6:30 PM (IST), 8:00 PM(GMT)

Barcelona form (all competition): L-W-W-W-W

Espanyol form (all competition): D-D-L-W-W

Players to watch

Barcelona

Frenkie de Jong

Despite the club's desire to sell him, De Jong has developed into an essential member of the squad, convincing Xavi that he must start every game and could be Busquets' successor. The Dutch's inspection of the game and ball recoveries is magnificent, as well as outrunning defenders with his long stride on the field. He may not be a particularly innovative player, but his moves on the field are enough to frustrate the opposition.

Espanyol

Martin Braithwaite

The Danish man will return to his former club and will attempt to make an impact, as Braithwaite is a menace in the box and his game instinct is fantastic, as he has evolved into pretty much a complete striker and will cause problems for Barcelona's defence.

Match facts

• Espanyol has not beaten Barcelona in their last 24 games, L18, D6).
• Barcelona has the cleanest sheets this season (11), their highest tally after 14 games in the 21st century.
• De Jong has been involved in each of his last two games with a goal and an assist for the first time in the competition.

Injury and team news

Barcelona doesn't have any injury scare, although Robert Lewandowski's red card in the previous match will see him serve a three-game ban.

Keidi Bare suffered a ligament injury, while left-back Andria Pedrosa will miss the remainder of the season due to a hernia.

Head-to-Head stats

Matches: 60

Barcelona: 36

Draws: 18

Espanyol: 6

Predicted lineup

Barcelona predicted XI (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Roberto, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Pedri, Busquets, Gavi; Raphinha, Fati, Dembele.

Espanyol predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lecomte; Gil, S Gomez, Calero, Olivan; Exposito, Souza; Braithwaite, Darder, Puado; Joselu.

Prediction

Barcelona will approach this game with great excitement because every player is fit, and Xavi will field a solid eleven to maintain their momentum and place on the table. Despite the absence of their reliable striker, the club has enough players to create chances, and Espanyol has failed to maintain a clean sheet in their previous five games.

Espanyol will struggle to knock down Barcelona's tenacious defence, which will be led by Araujo, Christensen, and Kounde. Seeing as Barcelona has a talented pool of players in the front row to win the game, we strongly feel Barcelona will put up a strong showing and win by a big margin.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-0 Espanyol.