The 2024-25 edition of La Liga features a Catalan derby this week as Espanyol locks horns with Hansi Flick's Barcelona side in an important encounter at the RCDE Stadium on Thursday. Barcelona are a victory away from securing the La Liga crown and could potentially secure the title at the home ground of their local rivals this week.
Barcelona are currently at the top of the La Liga standings and have thrived under Hansi Flick so far this season. The Blaugrana picked up a decisive 4-3 victory against Real Madrid in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result this week.
Espanyol, on the other hand, are in 16th place in the league table at the moment and have struggled to impose themselves so far this season. The home side slumped to a damaging 3-2 defeat against Leganes last week and will need to work hard to bounce back in this fixture.
Barcelona have made the most of their dynamic young squad this season and are poised to win yet another La Liga title this week. Lamine Yamal has been sensational for his side and will look to add to his goal tally on Thursday.
Espanyol have struggled this season but have managed to steer themselves away from the relegation zone. Barcelona are the better team on paper and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Espanyol 1-3 Barcelona
Tip 1: Result - Barcelona to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - Yes
Tip 3: Barcelona to score first - Yes