Espanyol vs Barcelona – La Liga: TV channel, team news, lineups & prediction

Barcelona could be crowned champions of Spain this weekend, and their party could begin against city rivals Espanyol.

If Real Madrid drop points against Getafe on Saturday and Atletico Madrid fail to win at Elche early on Sunday, then Barça will be title winners and they will receive a guard of honour from their Catalan neighbours.

The likelihood is that La Blaugrana will have to prevail on Sunday themselves to start the party, with the prospect of winning the title at Espanyol’s current stadium and playing next season at their former home as champions a real possibility.

Espanyol themselves are mired in a relegation battle and though their fate cannot be sealed this weekend, they could be cut adrift from the teams above them if results don’t go their way – they are currently 19th and three points from safety.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this one.

Espanyol predicted lineup (5-3-2): Pacheco; Gil, Montes, Gomez, Cabrera, Olivan; Ribuado, Suarez, Darder; Puado, Joselu.

Xavi’s only injury concerns heading into El derbi Barceloni regard Sergi Roberto, who is still nursing a hamstring problem, and Gavi after he picked up a knock against Osasuna.

Otherwise, Barcelona have a clean bill of health.

Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Busquets, De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Dembele.

One way or another, Barcelona should end this weekend as Spanish champions for the first time since 2019.

Though Espanyol have caused them a fair few problems in recent years, Barça have turned into football’s ultimate grind-out machine – they’ve still only conceded 11 goals in La Liga all season long.

It could turn into a horrendous few days for Luis Garcia’s men, who may be six points from safety come Monday morning. Just try to ignore the celebrations going on in the city, lads.

Prediction: Espanyol 0-2 Barcelona