Following their recent run of good results that saw them end the year on a high note after dismissing Real Betis 4-0, the La Liga defending champions will be hoping to continue from where they left when they visit Espanyol on Saturday. The Blaugrana ended the year atop the La Liga table and in superb form that saw them clinch the Club World Cup in Japan. They now boast of having one of the deadliest attacking units in the world, which consist of the famous trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar Jr. With the availability of the trio, the La Liga table-leaders are expected to maul their hosts this weekend and cement their lead at the top of the table.
What’s even better for the visitors is the fact that, after three consecutive draws towards the end of last year, the Spanish giants bounced back to register three wins in a row by beating Guangzhou Evergrande, River Plate and Real Betis respectively. Throughout those three matches, Luis Enrique’s men have scored a total of 10 goals and conceded none.
However, Barca fans should not be quick to predict the results in their favor because this is a Catalan derby and the results could go either way, despite the visitor’s good form. Espanyol, on the other hand, have failed to impress in recent times. They now have a new manager, Constantin Galca, who has a good record having led Romanian bigwigs Steaua Bucharest to a league and cup win. On the brighter side, Los Periquitos started very well under the stewardship of their new manager, having won their first two matches but failed to win against Sevilla in their midweek fixture.
Despite their midweek slump, the hosts boast of a superior home record and Barca have had a sluggish start playing away from home this season.
Live Soccer TV has all the broadcast information you need to watch Espanyol vs FC Barcelona live on January 2, 2016. See below for automated TV listings in your country.
Team News
Espanyol
Midfielder Papakouli Diop is back from suspension after sitting out during the midweek loss to Sevilla. However, midfielders Jose Canas and Victor Sanchez are still doubtful for the Catalan derby due to injuries. Galca could start the impressive duo of Felipe Caicedo and Gerard Moreno to play alongside Marco Asensio.
Barcelona
Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal are not available to play in this game, at least for now, but they could feature in the midweek Copa del Rey fixture. The attacking trio of MSN could also lead the hunt for goals for the hosts. Claudio Bravo is expected to start between the posts and covered by Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba at the back.
Probable lineups
Espanyol: P. Lopez; J. Lopez, Roco, Alvaro, Duarte; Diop, Jordan; Asensio, Salva Sevilla, Perez; Caicedo
Barcelona: Bravo; Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Roberto, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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