Espanyol – FC Barcelona LaLiga: 29th April 2017

Espanyol has failed to win in the last two games in La Liga. However, given that it is a Catalan derby played on their own ground, players are expected to want a better result in this game. Espanyol has lost only two of the last 15 games played at home, so there are some reasons for optimism. Any point lost by FC Barcelona can play a decisive part in the fight that the host team takes for the title.

FC Barcelona has three consecutive wins in La Liga, which has scored 13 times. It is true that in each of those parties it was empty. The defensive is not at the highest level, but the offensive force could not be bridged by Real Madrid, and in that match Neymar did not play. The Brazilian returns tonight and should have the appetite after missing three games, losing El Clasico.

Direct matches

FC Barcelona has won 11 of the last 12 official games between the two clubs. In the most recent four games played on Espanyol’s ground, Barcelona has not received any goals and is unbeaten in the last 12 matches on this stadium.

Luis Enrique again has an established triple offensive. Neymar returns after three suspension stages. Suarez should be re-titled after being rested in the middle of the week. Messi is in great shape.

Espanyol
Lopez – Martin, Lopez, Reyes, Lopez – Piatti, Sanchez, Fuego, Jurado – Caicedo, Moreno

FC Barcelona
Stegen – Alba, Umtiti, Pique, Roberto – Iniesta, Busquets, Rakitic – Neymar, Suarez, Messi

Conclusions

Espanyol is able to hurt Barcelona’s mission, but Messi and the company will be hard to stop. FC Barcelona no longer has the mistake of remaining rounds. The home team will be able to score in this game. The visitors’ defensive was not unbeatable in the last matches. The offensive, however, will scatter Espanyol’s goal and the victory of the guests should be the final outcome of this game.