FC Barcelona goes to the field of its neighbor Espanyol Barcelona, Sunday from 9 p.m., in a Catalan derby counting for the 24th day of La Liga.
The context of Espanyol Barcelona-FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona wants to confirm its good form. Unbeaten in the league since December 4 against Betis Sevilla (0-1), an ongoing series of seven games, the Catalan club is aiming for a third consecutive victory after Deportivo Alavés (1-0) and Atletico Madrid (4-2). Against the Colchoneros, Xavi’s Blaugrana made the difference with goals from Jordi Alba, Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Dani Alves, in a meeting marked by the debuts of winter signings Adama Traoré and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
With 38 points, Barça are in fourth place in the standings, now two lengths ahead of fifth-placed Atletico Madrid. Ousmane Dembélé’s partners have been opposed to a neighbor who has been struggling for a few weeks. Thirteenth with 27 units, Vicente Moreno’s players have not won in the last four days and are aiming for redemption after a defeat on the field of Athletic Bilbao (1-2) last Monday. Despite an early goal from Tonny Vilhena, Espanyol Barcelona gave in on goals from Oihan Sancet and Inigo Martinez.
The probable compositions of Espanyol Barcelona-FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona will be without Brazilian defender Dani Alves, suspended after his expulsion against Atletico Madrid. Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet, Ansu Fati, Alejandro Balde and Sergi Roberto will not be available. An uncertain time after stomach problems, Adama Traoré holds his place and could chain a new tenure. Dutch striker Memphis Depay remains sidelined with a muscle injury.
The probable composition of Espanyol Barcelona
Diego Lopez – Vidal, Gomez, Cabrera, Pedrosa – Darder, Morlanes, Melendo – Puado, De Tomas, Vilhena.
The probable line-up of FC Barcelona
Ter Stegen – Dest, Araujo, Piqué, Alba – F. de Jong, Busquets, Pedri – Traoré, Torres, Gavi.
