Line-ups, stats and preview for derby

Espanyol v Barcelona Match Preview

Barcelona video games with native rivals Espanyol have tended to be a foregone conclusion, however Hansi Flick is aware of they can’t afford to method Saturday’s derby as such.

Flick’s males return from their winter break prime of LaLiga and 4 factors away from arch rivals Actual Madrid.

However they’ve a tough task for his or her first recreation of 2026, with a go to to Espanyol representing a trickier proposition than in years passed by.

Manolo Gonzalez’s aspect are fifth within the desk after successful their final 5 league video games whereas conceding simply two targets. They path fourth-placed Villarreal by simply two factors.

It’s a little underneath 19 years since Barca final misplaced to Espanyol within the league away from dwelling, however Flick is eager to make sure his aspect takes nothing as a right towards their in-form neighbours.

“I’d prefer to congratulate Manolo” he stated. “He’s doing an unimaginable job. It’s a group that presses very nicely and makes wonderful transitions.

“They’ve received 5 video games in a row. We’ll need to play at our highest degree, keep calm and play our greatest soccer. We’ve got sufficient high quality to take the win.”

Barca goalkeeper Joan Garcia’s return to his former membership provides further spice to the fixture, although that’s of little concern to Manolo.

“I don’t care, I don’t care concerning the situation,” he stated. “I care about successful. I don’t actually care concerning the Joan García situation.

“It’s an ideal sporting rivalry, and the humorous factor is that I’ve numerous mates who assist Barca and we joke round with one another.

“Tomorrow might be an ideal derby. We need to beat Barca, and so do they.”

Workforce information for Espanyol v Barcelona

Ramon Terrats (thigh) stays out for Espanyol, whereas Charles Pickel remains to be on the AFCON with DR Congo.

Ronaldo Araujo is again within the Barcelona squad after he took time away from the group to look after his psychological well being.

Andreas Christensen (knee) and Gavi (knee) are nonetheless sidelined. Nevertheless, Dani Olmo (shoulder) is about to make his return and may very well be joined by Pedri (muscle) in doing so.

Predicted line-ups for Espanyol v Barcelona

Espanyol: Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Gonzalez, Edu, Lozano; Dolan, Fernandez, Milla

Barcelona: J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; F Torres

Stats for Espanyol v Barcelona

• Barcelona and Espanyol have met 74 occasions, with the Blaugrana successful 47 of these video games.
• Espanyol have crushed their native rivals simply seven occasions, with 20 of conferences ending in attracts.
• Espanyol haven’t defeated Barca in LaLiga since a 2-1 win at Camp Nou in February 2009. Their final dwelling league win over their neighbours got here in January 2007.
• Solely Thibaut Courtois (eight) has stored extra clear sheets than Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic (seven) in LaLiga this season. Barca’s Joan Garcia has six.
• Espanyol have the fourth-best defensive report within the division, having solely conceded 17 targets.
• But they’re dealing with a Barca group whose 51 targets are 15 greater than nearest challengers Actual Madrid.