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 already the third such losing streak for the Catalans in the current La Liga season. The club is positioned only 14th 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 in the first half in 10 of their last 11 home league matches (5 wins and 5 draws).
- The club has conceded only one goal in the first 45 minutes in their last seven home games 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 winning the 2024/25 La Liga title. If the team wins the Catalan derby, they will secure their 28th Spanish championship title with two rounds to spare. In their last league match, Barcelona managed to defeat Real Madrid at home with a score of 4-3. Notably, the Catalans conceded two early goals but quickly turned the game around by scoring four consecutive goals. Interestingly, the team has won all four El Clasicos this season (including the extra-time victory in the Copa del Rey final). As a result, their lead over Madrid has increased to seven points, making it nearly impossible to squander such an advantage with three matches remaining.
- 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' away winning streak in La Liga stands at five matches.
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.
Due to injuries, midfielders Dani Rodriguez, Pablo Torre, and Marc Bernal, as well as defender Jules Kounde and forward Ferran Torres, are unavailable. 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 is difficult to call this Catalan derby a principled and spectacular encounter. The overwhelming superiority 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 averages around 2.5 goals per game. Additionally, it's worth noting that in the previous four head-to-head meetings at Cornella-El Prat, at least four goals were scored.
I anticipate another high-scoring derby. Espanyol has a nine-match scoring streak at home in La Liga. Meanwhile, Barcelona has failed to score in only one of their last 23 away league matches. Moreover, Hans Flick's side has already scored 95 goals after 35 rounds and scored two or more goals in 8 of their last 11 La Liga matches.
My prediction: Total over 3 goals
