Barcelona look for three points as they host Espanyol
Kick-off : 8:45 PM (Local)
Venue : Camp Nou, Barcelona
Barcelona return to action after the international break as they welcome crosstown rivals Espanyol to the Camp Nou. It has been historically a tough match in the La Liga.
Before the international break, Barca played Alaves away and won that game, so they will look to continue their winning form.
The Blaugrana have in fact won two out of two so far and share their first place in the league table with Leganes and Real Sociedad.
Barca have to play Juventus on Tuesday in the Champions League opener, so this match isn’t particularly interesting for their supporters. But it gives them a match practice.
All eyes will be on Ousmane Dembele, who is a new signing for Barcelona. It should be a good contest on Saturday as both teams will look to outdo each other.
Team news and possible line-ups
Victor Sanchez and Alvaro Vazquez should be available for Espanyol for Saturday’s game. While goalkeeper Diego Lopez is doubtful.
Oscar Duarte and Javi Lopez will not be available for the Barca game.
As for Barcelona, Ivan Rakitic is doubtful with a muscle problem. While Rafinha could be sidelined yet again.
Arda Turan is expected to miss out Saturdays game after a thigh problem caused during international duty. But Luis Suarez is back in contention and is expected to play.
Espanyol XI : P. Lopez, Sanchez, Naldo, D. Lopez, Aaron, Jurado, Diop, Fuego, Piatti, Baptistao, Gerard.
Barcelona XI : Ter Stegen, Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Alba, Rakitic, Busquets, Paulinho, Suarez, Deulofeu, Messi.
Prediction
On current form I expect Barcelona to win this game 3-0.
