Barcelona vs. Espanyol – Prediction and Betting Tips | Nov 3, 2024

Barcelona are set to host Espanyol at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 3:15 PM UK time. A win for Barcelona would extend their lead at the top of La Liga to nine points, further solidifying their title push. Espanyol, sitting precariously in 17th place, will arrive with hopes of disrupting their rivals’ strong run.

Match Significance

Barcelona are flying high under Hansi Flick’s management, having dismantled Real Madrid 4-0 in El Clasico last weekend to surge six points clear at the summit. The Blaugrana’s recent form has been impressive, with five consecutive wins across all competitions. Espanyol, meanwhile, come into the Catalan derby after a 4-0 win over San Tirso in the Copa del Rey, providing a brief respite from their La Liga struggles.

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Team Analysis

Barcelona

The hosts have been dominant this season, recording 10 wins from their 11 league matches and scoring a remarkable 37 goals. The standout performances of Robert Lewandowski, who boasts 17 goals in 14 appearances, and Raphinha, with 10 goals and nine assists, have been central to their success. Youngster Lamine Yamal has also impressed, contributing six goals and seven assists.

Hansi Flick’s side will miss several key players due to injuries, including Ferran Torres, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, and Ronald Araujo. Eric Garcia remains a doubt as he recovers from a muscle issue. However, with no new injury concerns, Flick is expected to field a strong XI, featuring the returning Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo, who are likely to replace Marc Casado and Fermin Lopez in the lineup.

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Espanyol

Espanyol have endured a tough season, winning just three of their 11 league matches and conceding 19 goals—the third-worst defensive record in La Liga. Manager Manolo Gonzalez will look to Alejo Veliz, who scored a hat trick in the recent Copa del Rey win, to provide a spark in the attack. Despite their struggles, Espanyol have shown moments of resilience, securing a 1-1 draw in this fixture back in the 2022-23 campaign.

The visitors will be without Pol Lozano, who suffered a muscular injury in the cup tie, joining long-term absentees Fernando Calero and Edu Exposito on the sidelines. Jose Gragera is expected to return from a foot problem, while defensive reinforcements Alex Kral and Alvaro Tejero should be back in the starting XI.

Predicted Lineups: Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Espanyol (4-4-2): Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Olivan; Tejero, Kral, Gragera, Carreras; Puado, Veliz

Key Players to Watch

For Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski’s scoring prowess and Lamine Yamal’s creativity will be crucial in breaking down Espanyol’s defence. Raphinha’s dual-threat ability to score and assist adds another dimension to Barcelona’s attack.

For Espanyol, Alejo Veliz’s confidence from his recent hat trick could translate into a crucial performance. Javi Puado’s attacking support will also be important, while Alex Kral’s defensive solidity will be tested against Barcelona’s fluid attack.

Head-to-Head and Form

Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 26 La Liga meetings with Espanyol, winning 102 of their 176 top-flight encounters. However, two of their last three matches have ended in draws, showcasing Espanyol’s ability to occasionally disrupt their rivals’ rhythm. Espanyol’s away form has been shaky, with losses piling up, while Barcelona’s home dominance makes them clear favourites.

Betting Tips and Predictions

Prediction: Barcelona 3-0 Espanyol Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Barcelona 3-0 Espanyol.

Justification: Barcelona’s recent form, combined with their prolific attack, suggests a straightforward win. Espanyol’s defensive issues make it unlikely for them to keep a clean sheet.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS): No. Barcelona’s solid defence, coupled with Espanyol’s scoring struggles, supports this prediction.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5. Barcelona’s high-scoring matches point to a game with multiple goals.

First Goal Scorer: Robert Lewandowski. His outstanding form makes him the most probable to open the scoring.

Hot Stat: Barcelona have won 10 of their last 11 La Liga matches, scoring an average of over three goals per game.

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