Espanyol vs Barcelona Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | LaLiga 2025-26

The Blaugrana are on a three-match winning streak against Los Periquitos.

RCD Espanyol are all set to battle it out against FC Barcelona for their next contest in the 2025-26 LaLiga season. This is going to be an entertaining outing, which will take place at the RCDE Stadium.

Los Periquitos have performed well in their last three matches. They are coming in after securing a 2-1 win against Athletic Club Bilbao in their previous league outing.

Espanyol are in fifth place on the league table at the moment. They will be at home for their upcoming contest and will be keen to use it to their advantage.

The Hansi Flick-led FC Barcelona are on a top run of form at the moment. They outplayed Villarreal in their previous Spanish league contest.

The Blaugrana are at the top of the LaLiga points table and will be looking to extend their lead. Despite being away from home, Barca will be confident.

All eyes on the ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ykocAXbA95

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 31, 2025

Kick-off:

• Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Stadium: RCDE Stadium
• Date: Sunday, January 4
• Kick-off Time: 01:30 a.m. IST (Saturday, Jan 3; 08:00 p.m. GMT/ 03:00 p.m. ET/ 12:00 p.m. PT)
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Espanyol: W-L-W-W-W

Barcelona: W-W-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Pere Milla (Espanyol)

Pere Milla is going to be one of the main men in the squad for RCD Espanyol. In 15 league matches this season, he has scored six goals and will be keen to add more to his tally. The 33-year-old can control the midfield well and is also a crucial player in the attacking front.

Raphinha (Barca)

The Brazilian forward was one of the goal scorers in the previous league game for Barcelona. The 29-year-old continues to perform well for Barca in the attacking front and is going to be a crucial part yet again. Raphinha is going to be a constant threat to the opponent’s defence.

He has 10 goal involvements in 11 LaLiga appearances this season.

Match Facts

• Espanyol have won four of their last five matches.
• Barcelona have won all of their last five games.
• The Blaugrana are unbeaten in 13 meetings with Los Periquitos.

Espanyol vs Barca: Betting Tips and Odds

• Barcelona to win @11/20 Coral
• Raphinha to score
• Goals over 3.5

Injury and Team News

Espanyol will miss out on the services of Ramon Terrats due to his injury, and Charles Pickel is on national team duty for AFCON 2025 games.

Dani Olmo, Gavi and Andreas Christensen are not going to be in action for Barcelona. They are injured.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 218

Espanyol won: 44

Barcelona won: 128

Draws: 46

Predicted Lineups

Espanyol predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Dmitrovic (GK); El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; González, Lozano; Dolan, Expósito, Milla; Fernández

Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Joan García (GK); Koundé, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; Eric García, De Jong; Yamal, López, Raphinha; Torres

Match Prediction

Both of these clubs are looking in good touch and will come up with a close contest. FC Barcelona are likely to come out on top and secure a win against RCD Espanyol in their upcoming LaLiga clash.

Prediction: Espanyol 2-3 Barca

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

UK: Premier Sports

USA: ESPN+

Nigeria: SuperSport

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