Espanyol vs Barcelona Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 02/01/2020, 15:12  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 02/01/2020 at 16:13 in LaLiga Predictions

Espanyol ended 2019 bottom of La Liga and five points from safety. Probably the last game they wanted to start the new year and decade is a home match against top of the table Barcelona. The home side's stats don't make for good reading. Just two wins, the least number of league goals scored (just 12) and the most conceded (34). Espanyol have gone eight league games without a win, their last La Liga victory being away at Levante on October 27. Since then, they have earned just two points and conceded at least two goals in all but one of those matches. Espanyol are yet to win a home league game this season losing their first six but at least drawing two of the last three. Just two of those games have seen them fail to concede at least twice. It's going to take a lot of hard work to prevent another home loss.

Barcelona top La Liga and are two points clear of Real Madrid after 18 games of the season. They are the top scorers in the league with 14 more than any other side in the table. Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 11 league games, though two of the last three have been drawn. That included the first El Clasico of the season that ended goalless. Away from home, Barcelona haven't had it all their own way this season with three defeats. They have won four matches though and have seven points from their last three away games. Up against the worst defence in the league, the league leaders can start the year with a victory.