Espanyol vs Barcelona Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | LaLiga 2024-25

Barca have a seven-point lead at the top with three league games remaining.

Barcelona visit the RCDE Stadium to face Espanyol with the LaLiga virtually sealed. Hansi Flick’s side are seven points clear of Real Madrid, and there are only three games left. If they win this Catalan derby and Real Madrid drop points in the next game, then they could secure the title early.

FULL TIME!!!! 🌵🌵🌵🌵#ElClásico pic.twitter.com/WXks2YU370

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 11, 2025

The Blaugranas arrive in a confident mood after a solid run, although they have suffered a recent setback with their loss in the second leg of the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League against Inter Milan. Espanyol, on the other hand, are experiencing a more unsettled end to the season, with 39 points after 35 games.

The atmosphere will be tense, not because of the title, but because of the local derby. Espanyol need to win to stay clear of relegation. Their performance has improved slightly, but they are still fragile in defence and are losing games.

Facing them will be a more serene Barca, who want to close the season strongly. Pedri and Lamine Yamal will be the key for them again in this game.

The home side will be looking to take advantage of any relaxation on the part of Barcelona. However, the difference in level is clear. Flick will not want his team to lose concentration. An away win would not only close out the league, but it would be a big feather in the manager’s cap in the very first season.

Kick-off:

• Location: Catalonia, Spain
• Stadium: RCDE Stadium
• Date: Friday, 16 May 2025
• Kick-Off Time: 1:00 AM IST
• Referee: César Soto Grado
• VAR: In Use

Form:

Espanyol (in all competitions): L-L-L-D-W

Barcelona (in all competitions): W-L-W-D-W

Players to watch out for:

Javier Puado (Espanyol):

Javi Puado has scored 11 goals in 32 matches so far in the LaLiga 2024/2025 season. Overall, his goals scored per 90 minutes is 0.36. Moreover, Puado’s total G/A (goals + assists) is 14 for this season.

His goal involvement equates to 0.46 per 90 minutes, and his non-penalty xG per 90 minutes is 0.27. Puado has been the leading goal scorer for Espanyol in La Liga so far this season. He will be crucial to their chances in this game.

⚽️ GOAL! Javier puado puts @RCDEspanyol_EN ahead!#EspanyolValencia pic.twitter.com/SIUZat7y52

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) December 18, 2024

Raphinha (FC Barcelona):

Raphinha has scored 18 goals in 33 matches so far in the LaLiga 2024/2025 season. 10 of the 18 goals were scored at home, while he scored eight goals in away games. Overall, Raphinha’s goals scored per 90 minutes is 0.62.

Moreover, the Brazilian’s total G/A (goals + assists) is 27 for this season. His goal involvement equates to 0.93 per 90 minutes, and his non-penalty xG per 90 minutes is 0.53. Raphinha has stood up in important games for Barcelona so far this season, and will be yet again important for this team in this game.

Raphinha is unbelievably CLUTCH… 🥶#LALIGAHighlights pic.twitter.com/js0OowBsD0

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) May 7, 2025

Match Facts:

• Did you know that Espanyol Barcelona score 21% of their goals between the minutes 46-60?
• Did you know that FC Barcelona score 23% of their goals between the minutes 76-90?
• FC Barcelona have scored at least one goal in 32 consecutive matches.

Espanyol vs FC Barcelona: Betting tips and odds:

• FC Barcelona to win: 1.34 as per 1xBet.
• Both teams to score: 1.72 as per 1xBet.
• Total goals over 3.5: 2.2 as per 1xBet.

Injuries and Team News:

Espanyol: Jose Gregera and Brian Olivan are expected to miss this game with injuries.

Barcelona: Jules Kounde, Marc Bernal, and Pablo Torre will be sidelined from this game with injuries.

Head-to-head stats:

Total matches: 184

FC Barcelona won: 108

Espanyol won: 36

Draws: 40

Predicted Starting Lineup:

Espanyol Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero; Gonzalez, Kral; Roca, Exposito, Fernandez; Puado

FC Barcelona Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Ter Stegen; Garcia, Cubarsi, Inigo, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Torres

Match Prediction:

FC Barcelona have won 74% of the LaLiga games so far this season, and have been the most dominant side. We expect them to beat Espanyol comfortably.

Prediction: Espanyol 1-3 FC Barcelona

Telecast Details

India – Fancode 

UK – LaLiga TV, Premier Sports and ITV

US –  ESPN+

Nigeria – SuperSport

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