Espanyol vs Barcelona prediction
The Primera División local derby between Espanyol Barcelona and FC Barcelona will take place on Saturday, 03.01.2026 at 11:00 PM GMT+3 at the RCDE Stadium. This Matchday 18 fixture pitches a resurgent Espanyol side against the table leaders, FC Barcelona. Espanyol arrive in respectable form and sitting fifth in the table with 33 points (10 wins, 3 draws, 4 defeats, goals 22:17), while FC Barcelona top the standings with 46 points (15 wins, 1 draw, 2 defeats, goals 51:20). Home advantage may encourage Espanyol, but the visitors boast superior goal production and an impressive away record. The most recent direct encounter ended in a 2:0 victory for FC Barcelona away from home.
The La Liga predictions are your principal betting review before confirming your pick for this weekend’s games.
Main Betting Tip: Under 3.5 goals
While Barcelona are accustomed to high-scoring games, derbies often involve tighter tactical discipline and heightened defensive focus, especially from the home side aiming to frustrate the visitors. Espanyol’s recent form includes four wins in five, suggesting they can manage games effectively and limit open-play chances. Barcelona will likely control possession and create opportunities, yet Espanyol’s defensive organisation under Manolo González may keep the scoring beneath very high totals. Predicting under 3.5 goals balances Barcelona’s attacking potency with the derby context that typically reduces overall goal volume.
Betting Tip 2: Both teams score? Yes
Espanyol’s matches have tended to be competitive and their defensive record (17 goals conceded) does not indicate immunity from conceding at home, particularly against top-level opposition who generate numerous high-quality chances. FC Barcelona’s prolific scoring and tendency to commit players forward means Espanyol will likely find opportunities on the counter or from set-pieces. Given the attacking tendencies of both sides and Barcelona’s occasional defensive vulnerabilities in high-tempo encounters, the Both Teams to Score market is an attractive secondary selection.
Correct score: Correct Score 1-2
A 1:2 away win aligns with the expectation of a competitive derby in which Barcelona edges the contest by virtue of superior attacking quality. Espanyol are capable of finding the net, particularly from transitional phases or set-piece situations, but Barcelona’s greater creativity and finishing should result in two goals. A 1:2 scoreline also conforms to the forecast of under 3.5 total goals while confirming Both Teams to Score.
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Statistics for Espanyol Barcelona vs FC Barcelona
Espanyol Barcelona team news!
Manager: Manolo González. Espanyol occupy fifth place with 33 points from 18 matches, registering 10 wins, 3 draws and 4 defeats and a goal difference reflecting 22 scored and 17 conceded. Their home form is solid with 6 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats at the RCDE Stadium. Under Manolo González the team have demonstrated resilience and clinical moments on the counter; recent form shows four wins from the last five matches across all competitions, a sign of growing confidence and tactical coherence. Espanyol will rely on their organisation, set-piece threat and rapid transitions to unsettle Barcelona.
FC Barcelona team news!
Manager: Hansi Flick. FC Barcelona sit atop the Primera División with 46 points, boasting an excellent overall record of 15 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats and an imposing goals-for figure of 51. Their away statistics mirror strong consistency — 6 wins, 1 draw, 2 defeats on the road — and they arrive having won their last five matches in all competitions. Under Hansi Flick the side have combined attacking directness with improved defensive stability, which makes them the favourites for this fixture. Squad depth and tactical flexibility should enable Barcelona to adapt to the derby’s demands.
H2H statistics
Over the last five meetings in all competitions, Espanyol have failed to register a win against Barcelona, with a head-to-head record of 0 wins for Espanyol, 2 draws and 3 wins for FC Barcelona. The most recent direct encounter concluded as a 2:0 away victory for FC Barcelona, reflecting the visitors’ recent dominance in the fixture.
Last results — Espanyol Barcelona
In their last five matches across all competitions Espanyol have recorded 4 wins and 1 defeat (4-0-1), indicating a strong run of form prior to the derby. Their current form suggests confidence and momentum, particularly at home, and highlights the team’s capacity to obtain positive outcomes in consecutive fixtures.
Last results — FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona arrive in impeccable form, having won all of their last five matches in all competitions (5-0-0). This run underlines their offensive efficiency and consistency, and it provides the principal justification for regarding them as favourites in this derby encounter.
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Conclusion
FC Barcelona enter the RCDE Stadium as clear favorites owing to superior league position, substantial goal output and an unblemished recent run. Espanyol have improved markedly under Manolo González and possess the home advantage and tactical tools to create difficulties, but the visitors’ depth, cohesion under Hansi Flick and recent five-game winning streak give them the edge. Our considered match verdict is an Under 3.5 Goals, with accompanying markets predicting Both Teams to Score (Yes), and a correct scoreline of 1:2 in favor of the visitors.
