Espanyol will hope to extend their winning streak when they welcome neighbours Barcelona to RCDE Stadium for their La Liga encounter on Saturday, 3 January 2026.
View our free Espanyol vs Barcelona predictions below.
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Espanyol vs Barcelona predictions: Visitors to emerge victorious
Key stats
- Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 13 meetings with Espanyol.
- Four of the last five clashes between these sides produced goals at both ends.
- There were at least 11 corners in four of Barcelona's last five matches.
Correct score prediction: Espanyol 1-2 Barcelona
Although Espanyol have won five consecutive La Liga games, they are up against a Barcelona side on a seven-match winning streak across all competitions.
Despite their fine form, Espanyol have a poor track record against their local rivals, as they have lost three consecutive clashes between these teams and are without a win in their last 13 encounters.
Interestingly, Espanyol scored exactly one goal in three of their last four La Liga games, while Barcelona have scored exactly two goals in four consecutive matches.
Taking everything into account, we believe that Espanyol's winning streak will end this weekend.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Barcelona clearly favoured
- HOME: 17/4 (5.25) – 19%
- DRAW: 7/2 (4.50) – 22.2%
- AWAY: 11/20 (1.55) – 64.5%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Barcelona defeated Villarreal by two unanswered goals before the Christmas break, extending their winning streak across all competitions to seven games.
Hansi Flick's men have been the best in La Liga this season. They are leading the standings, four points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid.
On the other hand, fifth-placed Espanyol came from behind to defeat Athletic Bilbao on the road last time. They will be eyeing their sixth consecutive win in the Spanish top flight this weekend.
Ahead of this derby, Barcelona are the expected winners at 11/20 (1.55). Teams with these odds usually have a 64.5% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Espanyol vs Barcelona predictions.
It is also important to note that Barcelona have more corners per game than any other team in La Liga this season. Keeping in mind that four of their last five games across all competitions produced at least 11 corners, over 10.5 total corners has an appealing look at 21/20 (2.05). That one has a 48.8% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Business as usual for Barcelona?
It is safe to say that Espanyol do not particularly look forward to these Barcelona derbies, as they have lost three consecutive encounters between these sides and have no wins in their last 13 H2Hs, stretching back to January 2018.
In fact, Espanyol have not beaten Barcelona in La Liga since February 2009. There have been 28 league clashes between these teams since then.
Spain La Liga 15/05/25
Espanyol
Barcelona
Spain Copa de Catalunya 19/03/25
Espanyol
Barcelona
Spain La Liga 03/11/24
Barcelona
Espanyol
Spain La Liga 14/05/23
Espanyol
Barcelona
Spain La Liga 31/12/22
Barcelona
Espanyol
Espanyol preview: Eyeing their biggest win of the season
Head coach Manolo Gonzalez will be pleased to have only Ramon Terats and Luca Koleosho ruled out of this derby due to injury, even as key midfielder Javi Puado and striker Roberto Fernandez are set to feature this weekend after injury layoffs.
DR Congo progressed to the Round of 16 in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, which means Charles Pickel continues to be unavailable for Espanyol.
Predicted lineup: Dmitrovic (GK), Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero, Jofre, Gonzalez, Dolan, Exposito, Milla & Fernandez.
Last five matches
- Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Espanyol
- Getafe 0-1 Espanyol
- Espanyol 1-0 Rayo
- Atletico Baleares 1-0 Espanyol
- Celta Vigo 0-1 Espanyol
Barcelona preview: Injury woes continue
As for Barcelona, Andreas Christensen (ACL) and Gavi (knee) are confirmed absentees for this game, but Dani Olmo, Pedri, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen all remain questionable with health challenges.
Predicted lineup: J. Garcia (GK), Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde, Pedri, E. Garcia, Yamal, Fermin, Torres & Raphinha.
Last five matches
- Villarreal 0-2 Barcelona
- Guadalajara 0-2 Barcelona
- Barcelona 2-0 Osasuna
- Barcelona 2-1 Frankfurt
- Real Betis 3-5 Barcelona
Player to watch: Pere Milla
Pere Milla scored the winner in Espanyol's 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao last time out. The former Elche midfielder has scored six La Liga goals this season and will look to add to his tally on Saturday night.