Barcelona vs Espanyol Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 29/12/2022, 13:00  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 29/12/2022 at 14:45 in LaLiga Predictions

La Liga returns to the Spotify Camp Nou in grand style on New Year's Eve, with the Barcelona derby set to take centre stage. The hosts are currently in pole position in the league, with 37 points in 14 games, two points clear of rivals Real Madrid. Barcelona's form has been impeccable of late, recording a five-game win streak after their 2-1 triumph over Osasuna before the World Cup break. The home side's defence has been their biggest strength this term, allowing only five goals in the entire season to date. Barcelona has been the dominant side in this fixture over recent years and is unbeaten in this encounter in the last 24 meetings, with 18 wins and six draws. Robert Lewandowski has been at his brilliant best again this season. He currently leads the scoring charts in La Liga with 13 goals, scoring first on six of those occasions, and he will be looking to add to his tally against a struggling opponent in Espanyol.

Espanyol, on the other hand, has been struggling to find consistency this season. They are in 16th place in La Liga, with 12 points from 14 games and are just a single point above the relegation zone. The visitors have only managed two wins all season, with six draws and six losses. The most recent defeat against Villareal extended their winless run to five, which included three draws and two losses. Espanyol managed to come away with a 2-2 draw in the last derby match, with Darder and de Tomas on target that day for Los Periquitos. This season, Joselu has been the main man for the visitors, netting seven times so far and is currently tied for fourth in the golden boot race. However, he comes up against a stingy defence in Barcelona and will do well if he manages to add to his tally in this match.