Barcelona vs Espanyol
By Allan
Barcelona Vs Espanyol
Barcelona and Espanyol have no love lost between them, though the game will be expected to be a one sided derby at the Nou Camp. Barcelona have made a solid start to La Liga this season and have managed to win both beginning games. A comfortable win is what they aim for as they look to establish themselves on the top early on. However, they have not managed to hit top form yet and will go out to prove that they have begun life after Neymar with a revamped squad especially after the arrival of Ousmane Dembele.An entertaining fixture is expected in this game as Barcelona look for a solid victory.
Analysis
Luiz Suarez is back from injury and therefore Barca should set up a new preferred front three for this game. All eyes will be on new man Ousmane Dembele to debut with a goal in front of the home fans. Espanyol have had a poor start to the season with just one goal in two games. Furthermore, the team suffered a shock home loss to Leganes and their luck of proper summer buys may haunt them. Espanyol has been outclassed in the last visits to Barcelona and this may have a negative effect on their attitude to this particular fixture. Barcelona have three wins and two losses in the last five games. The team has however won both La Liga fixtures so far.Espanyol have drawn three times and lost twice in their last five outings.
Barcelona won both home and away in the fixtures between these two teams last season and they last lost in the year 2015/2016 fixture.It,however,is the only time that Barcelona has lost to Espanyol in the last 18 matches. Barcelona has just lost six times and drawn thirteen in 56 matches with Espanyol and has won 37 times. Espanyol certainly look like the weaker team and will be playing in front of a loud and packed Nou Camp crowd, and this will certainly affect proceedings going into this game. It is certainly a must win game for Barcelona and they should have an easy and convincing victory.
Team News
Barcelona will be missing Rafinha and Ivan Rakitic for the game. The rest of the squad will be available for selection in this game. Espanyol will be missing goalkeeper Diego Lopez, defender Oscar Duarte, central midfielder Victor Sanchez as well as attacker Alvaro Vasquez due to injury. New signee Sergio Sanchez will however be available to play. Right back Javi Lopez looks uncertain to play after leaving early in the game against Leganes.
Possible Teams
Barcelona:
Ter Stegen,Roberto,Pique,Umtiti,Alba,Busquets,Iniesta,Paulinho,Messi,Deulofleu,Alcacer
Espanyol:
Adrian Lopez,Sanchez,Naldo,David Lopez,Caricol,Jurado,Granero,Perez,Piatti,Moreno,Baptistao
Players to Watch
Lionel Messi is expected to be the man for Barcelona in the game and is expected to control proceedings.Esteban Granero has a major role to play for Espanyol and his wealth of experience should see him act as a crucial cog for Espanyol.