The Matchday 36 clash in La Liga between Espanyol and Barcelona will take place on May 15 at the Cornella-El Prat Stadium in Barcelona. Espanyol vs. Barcelona: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Espanyol
The team has suffered three consecutive defeats in the league. Manolo Gonzalez's side lost away to Villarreal (0-1) and Leganes (2-3), as well as at home to Betis (1-2). Notably, this is the third such losing streak for the Catalans in the current La Liga season. The club is currently in 14th place in the standings, with a five-point cushion from the nearest relegation zone rival.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 19 of Espanyol's last 21 La Liga matches.
- The Catalans have not lost the first half in 10 of their last 11 home league games (5 wins and 5 draws).
- The club has conceded only one goal in the first 45 minutes in their last seven home matches in La Liga.
Predicted lineup for Espanyol (4-3-3)
Joan Garcia – Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero, Marash Kumbulla – Urko Gonzalez, Edu Exposito, Alex Kral – Jofre Carreras, Roberto Fernandez Jaen, Javi Puado.
Barcelona
Hans Flick's side is on the brink of clinching the La Liga 2024/25 title. If the team wins the Catalan derby, they will secure their 28th Spanish championship title with two games to spare. In their last league match, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid at home with a score of 4-3. Interestingly, the Catalans conceded two early goals in this crucial encounter but managed to take the lead by scoring four consecutive goals. Notably, the team has won all four El Clasico matches this season (including a victory in extra time in the Copa del Rey final). As a result, their lead over Madrid has increased to seven points, making it almost impossible to squander this advantage in the remaining three matches.
- The club has won 14 of their last 15 La Liga matches.
- At least three goals have been scored in 7 of Barcelona's last 10 league games.
- The Catalans are on a five-match winning streak away in La Liga.
Predicted lineup for Barcelona (4-3-3)
Wojciech Szczesny – Gerard Martin, Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia – Dani Olmo, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong – Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha Dias.
Midfielders Dani Rodriguez, Pablo Torre, and Marc Bernal, as well as defender Jules Kounde, are out due to injuries. Defender Inigo Martinez will miss the match due to suspension.
Referee
Cesar Soto Grado (Spain)
Matches – 18 (La Liga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 73;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;
Red cards shown – 5;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 22%.
Espanyol vs. Barcelona: Match Prediction
It's hard to call this Catalan derby a competitive and thrilling encounter. The overwhelming advantage lies with Barcelona, who have not lost to their local rivals in La Liga for 27 matches (20 wins and 7 draws). In these encounters, the more illustrious club scores an average of about 2.5 goals per game. Additionally, in the previous four head-to-head meetings held at Cornella-El Prat, at least four goals were scored.
I anticipate another high-scoring affair in this derby. Espanyol has a nine-match scoring streak at home in La Liga. Meanwhile, Barcelona has failed to score only once in their last 23 away league games. Moreover, Hans Flick's side has already netted 95 goals after 35 rounds, scoring two or more goals in 8 of their last 11 La Liga matches.
My prediction – Total over 3 goals
