Barcelona Face Espanyol: What to Expect, Bold Predictions, and Starting Lineups Revealed

Looking to regroup after their Champions League quarterfinal defeat, Barcelona take on city rivals Espanyol at Camp Nou this Saturday afternoon.

Barça's dream of claiming their first European title since 2015 has been dealt a serious blow after fellow La Liga side Atlético Madrid turned the tables following last week's 2–1 loss, capitalizing fully on Pau Cubarsí's red card in the first half. Alexander Sørloth's clinical finish came after Julian Álvarez's breathtaking free-kick, leaving Barça with a mountain to climb at the Metropolitano next week.

Nevertheless, things aren't entirely bleak in Catalonia. Flick's squad have pulled clear at the top of La Liga, with last weekend's results giving them a seven-point cushion over Real Madrid with only eight matches remaining.

Derby opponents Espanyol are eager to cause an upset and crack the door open for Los Blancos. Manolo González's side sit 10th in La Liga but arrive at Saturday's derby in dismal form.

They once had ambitions of earning a rare European spot but are now headed for a mid-table finish, having gone winless across their last 12 matches.

Barcelona vs. Espanyol Score Prediction

Blaugrana Recover from Midweek Disappointment

Barcelona's display with ten men was commendable, and there's a quiet belief in Catalonian circles that Flick's team could pull off something remarkable in Madrid next week.

While the second leg will naturally dominate their focus, they cannot afford a costly stumble on Saturday that might hand Real Madrid a lifeline in the title race.

They have long held the upper hand in this fixture, and although form often counts for little in derby matches, Espanyol's ability to win has completely deserted them in 2026.

Prediction: Barcelona 3–1 Espanyol

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Espanyol

Barcelona are reportedly planning to field Pedri and Frenkie de Jong together in next week's second leg against Atléti, meaning the latter could make his first appearance since Feb. 22 on Saturday after returning to training.

Marc Bernal picked up an injury as a substitute in Madrid last week and missed Wednesday's first leg as a result. The promising young midfielder remains a doubt for the derby, though Gavi appears set for his first La Liga start of the campaign.

Raphinha is a notable absence in the forward line, and Flick may look to give Lamine Yamal a rest. Roony Bardghji could provide cover on the right side, while Marcus Rashford is expected to retain his spot on the opposite wing.

Andreas Christensen and young left back Jofre Torrents remain sidelined through injury for the home side.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs. Espanyol (4-2-3-1): J. García; Araújo, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; E. García, Gavi; Bardghji, López, Rashford, Torres.

Espanyol Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona

Charles Pickel has been mired in disciplinary issues recently, accumulating two red cards and returning late from international duty. Pickel is not expected to feature this weekend.

The away side will definitely be without suspended defender Clemens Riedel, who is ruled out on Saturday due to yellow card accumulation. González will likely turn to 30-year-old Fernando Calero as his replacement.

Espanyol are otherwise in reasonable health, with long-term injury victim Javi Puado the sole player confirmed out through fitness concerns.

Espanyol predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (4-4-2): Dmitrović; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Ngonge, González, Lozano, Dolan; Exposito, Fernández.

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