Match Preview : Barça VS Espanyol

A new month and a new game for Hansi Flick’s Barça side. After such an incredible month of October, beating Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in quick succession, it’s back to La Liga action after a rare week off. And yet again it’s another vitally important game in the league, and for the region of Catalonia as this afternoon, from 4:15pm local time, it’s the Catalan Derby between Barça and Espanyol. The stage is set at the Estadi Olympic Lluis Companys, so let’s jump straight into the review.

A Quick Look at our opponents:

When it comes to Espanyol, they are one of the newly promoted teams in La Liga this season and have struggled so far in the current campaign. 17th in the table only 3 points above last placed Valencia. So far this season, they’ve scored a total of 10 goals which is 27 less than we have and conceded 19. Which happens to be almost double the amount we have conceded. Espanyol, despite the statistics have particular players who can cause damage, and are an example of one of those teams that you shouldn’t underestimate. Going into the game with the idea of it being a tough one is what we need to focus on.

Predicted Lineup:

When it comes to the lineup for today’s game, despite the week off, I think there will still be a few changes from the team that started against Real Madrid. I still think it’s too soon to see Gavi start a game. But I’d imagine he’d get more minutes this afternoon as he slowly builds his way back. Frenkie De Jong came on against Real Madrid and changed the game completely. Therefore, I can see him getting a start, as well as possibly Dani Olmo too. Casado could be the one in midfield rested as a result. The backline will remain the same, unless Flick decides to rest Balde or Kounde. Fort could come in as a result of that. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Yamal or Raphinha get a rest. In that ase, Pau Victor or Ansu might be getting a start.