The 18th-round La Liga match between Espanyol and Barcelona will take place on 3 january at Cornellà-El Prat stadium. Espanyol vs Barcelona: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Espanyol
In the previous round Espanyol produced another surprise in the current La Liga campaign. Despite their status as a clear outsider, the home side beat Athletic Club away (2:1). This victory extended the club's winning run in La Liga to five matches, the best result since the 1998/99 season. Over those five matches the squad conceded just two goals in total, fewer only than Celta Vigo (1). Ahead of the derby with Barcelona the home side remains fifth in the standings. Moreover, the squad is surprisingly close to the Champions League zone, sitting only two points behind Villarreal.
- The home side scored in 9 of their last 10 La Liga matches.
- At least 2 goals were scored in 9 of Espanyol's last 12 La Liga games.
- The club's uncompromising run in this competition stretches 10 matches (7 wins, 3 losses).
Potential Espanyol Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Marko Dmitrović – Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero, Omar El Hilali – Urko Gonzalez, Pol Lozano – Pere Milla, Edu Expósito, Tayris Dolan – Roberto Fernandez Jaen.
Midfielder Charles Pickel is representing his national team at the Africa Cup of Nations. Midfielder Ramon Terrats is unavailable due to injury. The participation of captain Javi Puado is in doubt.
Barcelona
The club also finished 2025 in great spirits. Before the break Barcelona overcame a serious test by taking three points away at resilient Villarreal (2:0), who had not slipped up recently in La Liga. That victory was the club's eighth straight in the Spanish championship. The squad still tops the table and is four points clear of Real Madrid. Notably, the side kept a clean sheet for a second La Liga match in a row, although earlier they had managed a shutout in only 1 of their previous 11 league games. What is particularly impressive is that Barcelona's scoring run in La Liga now stands at 38 matches, a feat not seen at the club since 2013.
- This season the Catalans have scored 51 goals in total, by far the best record in the competition.
- Barcelona's uncompromising run in the league continues at 15 matches (13 wins, 2 losses).
- Both teams scored in 7 of the club's last 8 away matches in La Liga.
Potential Barcelona Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Joan Garcia – Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Alex Balde – Frenkie de Jong, Eric Garcia – Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal, Rafinha Dias – Ferran Torres.
Defender Andreas Christensen, as well as midfielders Dani Olmo and Gavi, are unavailable due to injury. Midfielder Pedri may return to the squad. Defender Ronald Araujo has returned to training, but his participation in the match is in doubt.
Referee
Victor Garcia (Spain)
Matches – 9 (La Liga, 2025/26);
Issued yellow/red cards (including second yellows) – 26;
Average yellow/red per match – 2.9;
Issued red cards – 0;
Fouls on average per match – 22;
Penalties – 11%.
Espanyol Vs Barcelona: Match Prediction
Espanyol continues to surprise with quality and consistency, which is why the club rightly occupies a top-five position. However, the home side now faces a principal rival who is historically one of their most uncomfortable opponents. Espanyol's last La Liga victory in the Catalan derby came in 2009; since then the club has failed to win in 28 head-to-head meetings (7 draws, 21 losses). In the last 10 encounters in this rivalry the home side has taken at least one point on only 3 occasions.
Barcelona are ready to further strengthen their advantage in head-to-head meetings. Ahead of the trip to a major opponent the squad recorded eight straight league wins. In all matches during that run the visitors scored at least two goals. The club has not dropped points in La Liga since October, and even away from home Barcelona have won three league matches in a row.
Most likely the visitors will once again overcome their neighbours.
Prediction: Barcelona To Win
* The starting lineup listed for each team is from their previous match in this competition.
