It’s derby day in the Catalan capital on Thursday, as Barca make the short trip to the RCDE Stadium. Our Espanyol vs Barcelona prediction and La Liga betting tips consider whether the visitors can celebrate the title by winning at the home of their local rivals for the second time in three years.
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Espanyol vs Barcelona prediction: Goals to flow in heated affair
Key stats
- Our Espanyol vs Barcelona betting tips take into account that there have been seven red cards shown in the last six meetings in this stadium.
- It’s 14 wins from 15 games for Barca in the league.
- Espanyol have scored in all of their home games against teams in the top half of La Liga heading into matchday 36.
Correct score prediction: Espanyol 2-3 Barcelona
Espanyol have been competitive since the turn of the year, and they did recently defeat Real Madrid on this ground, so Barcelona may be made to work for this.
The visitors have some clear defensive flaws, particularly at full-back right now, but they’ve got so much quality in attack that they are still likely to win this one, even if they do get caught out at the back at times.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Barca the odds-on favourites
- HOME: 15/2 (8.50) – 11.2%
- DRAW: 19/4 (5.75) – 17.4%
- AWAY: 3/10 (1.30) – 76.9%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The visitors are the favourites according to the Espanyol vs Barcelona odds, with an implied probability of 76.9% that they win this match.
They head into this game following a brilliant Clasico win, with Hansi Flick’s side coming from 2-0 down to win 4-3, with their goals all coming between the 19th and 45th minutes.
As for Espanyol, they suffered a third straight defeat last time out, going down 3-2 at Leganes.
For more from the upcoming matches in Europe, today’s free football tips look at some of the best picks.
Most recent H2Hs: Espanyol without a derby win since 2018
Our Espanyol vs Barcelona prediction suggests the visitors will extend a five-game unbeaten streak on this ground, since they lost a Copa del Rey match here in 2018.
They clinched the 2022/23 title with a 4-2 victory on their most recent visit to the RCDE Stadium, almost exactly two years ago.
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
Spain La Liga 13/02/22
Espanyol
Barcelona
Espanyol preview: Lozano fit for the hosts
Manolo Gonzalez has been dealt a boost with the news that midfielder Pol Lozano is fit for this game following injury. Full-back Brian Olivan is still out.
Predicted Lineup: J. Garcia (GK), Romero, Cabrera, Kumbulla, El Hilali, Gonzalez de Zarate, Lozano, Exposito, Puado, R. Fernandez & Jofre
Spain La Liga 11/05/25 L Leganes 3 Espanyol 2 Spain La Liga 04/05/25 L Real Betis 2 Espanyol 1 Spain La Liga 27/04/25 L Villarreal 1 Espanyol 0 Spain La Liga 22/04/25 D Valencia 1 Espanyol 1 Spain La Liga 18/04/25 W Getafe 0 Espanyol 1
Barcelona preview: Martinez serves ban
There’ll be at least one change from El Clasico from the visiting boss, with Inigo Martinez suspended. Marc Bernal misses out again through injury, while Pablo Torre and Jules Kounde are both doubtful.
Predicted Lineup: Szczesny (GK), Balde, Cubarsi, Araujo, E. Garcia, De Jong, Pedri, Raphinha, Olmo, Yamal & Ferran
Spain La Liga 11/05/25 W Real Madrid 3 Barcelona 4 UEFA Champions League 06/05/25 L Inter Milan 4 Barcelona 3 Spain La Liga 03/05/25 W Valladolid 1 Barcelona 2 UEFA Champions League 30/04/25 D Inter Milan 3 Barcelona 3 Spain Copa del Rey 26/04/25 W Real Madrid 2 Barcelona 3
