Espanyol vs Barcelona Predictions

Barcelona have won 74% of the La Liga games so far this season, and have been the most dominant side. A win secures the La Liga title for Barcelona, and just like they did for their last league trophy, the Catalan giant will win the league at the home ground of their city rivals. 

Match info: La Liga

Venue: RCDE Stadium, Catalonia

Date: Thursday, 14^th May 2025

Time: 8:30 pm Nigerian time

After beating Real Madrid in El Clásico, La Liga leaders Barcelona are now preparing to face local rivals Espanyol in Thursday's clash at the RCDE Stadium.

The Blaugrana will enter the game as champions if Real Madrid drop points against Mallorca on Wednesday, and they will still have the chance to win the title against Espanyol even if Los Blancos pick up all three points

Head-to-head:

• Barcelona have won 108 of the 184 derbies between the two teams.
• Espanyol have recorded 36 victories.
• The remaining 40 clashes ended in draws.
• Barcelona score 23% of their goals between the minutes 76-90?
• Espanyol Barcelona score 21% of their goals between the minutes 46-60?
• Barcelona have scored at least one goal in 32 consecutive matches.
• Barcelona won the first leg 3-1.
• 3 of their last 4 encounters produced at least 3 goals.

Form:

• Espanyol in the League: W-D-L-L-L
• Espanyol in all competitions: W-D-L-L-L
• Barcelona in the League: W-W-W-W-W
• Barcelona in all competitions W-D-W-L-W

Team News:

• For Espanyol, Jose Gregera and Brian Olivan are expected to miss this game with injuries.
• For Barcelona, Jules Kounde, Marc Bernal, and Pablo Torre will be sidelined from this game with injuries.

Player(s) to watch:

• Javi Puado has scored 11 goals in 32 matches so far in the LaLiga 2024/2025 season. Overall, his goals scored per 90 minutes is 0.36. Moreover, Puado’s total G/A (goals + assists) is 14 for this season. His goal involvement equates to 0.46 per 90 minutes, and his non-penalty xG per 90 minutes is 0.27. Puado has been the leading goal scorer for Espanyol in La Liga so far this season. He will be crucial to their chances in this game.
• Raphinha has scored 18 goals in 33 matches so far in the LaLiga 2024/2025 season. 10 of the 18 goals were scored at home, while he scored eight goals in away games. Overall, Raphinha’s goals scored per 90 minutes is 0.62. Moreover, the Brazilian’s total G/A (goals + assists) is 27 for this season. His goal involvement equates to 0.93 per 90 minutes, and his non-penalty xG per 90 minutes is 0.53. Raphinha has stood up in important games for Barcelona so far this season, and will be yet again important for this team in this game.