Preview: Distancing themselves is a main concern
Barcelona has started the current campaign in blistering form, having claimed 31 points from a possible 33. Their only letdown came in a scoreless draw away to Osasuna, but other than that match, Gerardo Martino's men have been brilliant.
With 10 victories already, the hosts will be going for their eleventh, while they also look to jump four points ahead of second placed Atletico Madrid.
Making matters worst for the visitors, they will be up against Barcelona's perfect record at home this season (5-0-0), and their 20 goals scored and only five conceded. But in Espanyol's defense, the Blaugrana have only managed one cleansheet at home, which was their opening day match against Levante, which ended in a 7-0 thumping.
The last time the Periquitos defeated Barcelona at the Nou Camp was in 2009, with Ivan De la Pena scoring two goals in five minutes. Replicating that result on Friday will not be easy, especially given the team's current form.
Having defeated Atletico Madrid at home, many would have expected Javier Aguirre's side to gain some wind in their sail, and build on that victory. Unfortunately for them, they lost their next match away to Levante, and drew at home against Malaga.
One victory in their last six matches is not the most flattering stat, but a meeting with the league leaders should offer the visitors plenty of motivation.
Aguirre will have to wait for late fitness tests from Stuani, Sidnei and Javi Lopez, who could all miss this match with fitness concerns.
One win at the Nou Camp in 31 years is not all that impressive, especially considering Espanyol has lost 4-0 in their last two visits to their same city rivals. If Aguirre's men are to pull off a surprise, they will likely need at least two or three goals and stellar defending, as the Blaugrana are averaging four goals per match at home.
Where to watch this match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Barcelona vs Espanyol live on Friday, November 1, 2013:
In Canada at 16:00 ET on: beIN Sport Play Canada
In the UK at 20:00 BST on: NOW TV Powered by Sky, Sky Go UK, Sky Sports 2/HD
In the USA at 16:00 ET on: beIN Sport Play, beIN Sport en Espanol, SiriusXM FC, beIN Sport USA
If you are in Africa and want to follow all the action, you can do so on SuperSport 5 Africa. For viewers outside these viewing areas, be sure to visit the Barcelona vs Espanyol match page for full TV listings.
