After finally getting back to winning ways since early November, Barcelona will host an Espanyol side who are unbeaten in their last 10 games. It is pretty sure that the Catalans won’t have it easy against them, who have been largely resilient conceding just twice in their last nine games and will adopt a defensive approach and hit the Blaugrana on the break in the local derby.
Barcelona have no choice but to attack from the word go as they are 6 points behind Leaders Real Madrid and can’t afford to drop points. The Catalans also come to this match on the back of a 3-0 win over Osasuna, which saw three goals between Suarez and Messi.
Team News
Barcelona- Luis Enrique will be having a more or less fully fit squad to choose from against Espanyol, which is a very rare luxury the boss has had this season. Except for Jeremy Mathieu, Barcelona doesn’t have any major injury concern going to the tricky game. The other injured players are Marc Cardona and Carles Alena.
Espanyol- Unlike their opponents, Espanyol have a lot to worry about their absentees. Victor Alvarez and Hernan Perez are yet to be back in training and Espanyol will definitely miss them at Nou Camp. Andres Pieto is back into full training and should be available for team selection ahead of Sunday. Pablo Piatti remains a doubt.
Predicted Line-ups
Barcelona (4-3-3 formation): Ter Stegen; Alba, Umtiti, Pique, Roberto; Iniesta, Gomes, Busquets; Messi, Suárez, Neymar
Espanyol (4-4-2 formation): Diego Lopez; Martin, Reyes, Sanchez, David Lopez; Gullon, Fuego, Baptistao, Jurado; Gerard, Caicedo
