Camp Nou sets to come alive with Barcelona looking to edge closer to the La Liga title hopes. This Wednesday will see the basement side head to take on the Catalan Giants for Matchday 35. The match kicks off at 23:00 GMT.
Barcelona might have let leash loose on the La Liga title following their dreaded draws at Sevilla, Celta Vigo, and Atletico Madrid. The series of draws paved the way for the Los Blancos to lead the way at the top of the La Liga table.
The Catalan Giants are currently second in ranking with 73 points. This is four points behind title leaders Los Blancos. A win will edge the side closer to regaining their title while cross fingered that Real Madrid shares spoils as they head to Alaves.
Espanyol resigned to relegation after losing a total of five matches in a row since the restart. A defeat to side Leganes was the final nail in the coffin for the side. Anything but a win at Camp Nou this Wednesday will lead to an automatic relegation from La Liga.
It will prove to be a hard nut to crack for manager Hernandez given the 29 unbeaten home record held by Barcelona. Furthermore, Barcelona remains unbeaten in its last 12 out of 13 home matches against the side.
Barcelona vs. Espanyol Head to Head
Both sides have 37 matches against each other with Barcelona taking home 25 wins while Espanyol with only three wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters in La Liga:
Barcelona
Villarreal 1-4 Barcelona
Barcelona 2-2 Atletico Madrid
Celta Vigo 2-2 Barcelona
Barcelona 1-0 Athletic Bilbao
Sevilla 0-0 Barcelona
Espanyol
Espanyol 0-1 Leganes
Real Sociedad 2-1 Espanyol
Espanyol 0-1 Real Madrid
Real Betis 1-0 Espanyol
Espanyol 1-3 Levante
Barcelona Team News
A doubtful figure ahead of the match is defender Umtiti who picked up a knee injury and remained assessed ahead of the clash. Injury woes at the club include De Jong, who still recovers from a muscle injury. Left-back Junior Firpo picked up hip problems and set to remain on the sidelines at Camp Nou.
Espanyol Team News
Forward Jonathan Calleri sets to miss out on the match after picking up a red card during their last encounter with Leganes. The youngster came on for Wu Lei in the first half and picked two yellow cards following a row on the pitch.
Prediction and Odds
Barcelona still has title hopes and will be looking for a quick and easy win as they hope to bridge the gap.
Barcelona Win
First to Score: Barcelona
Goals Over 2.5
