Barcelona vs Espanyol

Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest injury and suspension news ahead of Saturday's La Liga clash between Barcelona and Espanyol.

[Adria Pedrosa](/people/adria-pedrosa/) (hernia) [Keidi Bare](/people/keidi-bare/) (ligament) [Robert Lewandowski](/people/robert-lewandowski/) (suspension)

La Liga leaders Barcelona face Espanyol in Derbi Barceloni on Saturday. Here is the preview of both the teams.

Barcelona will approach this game with great excitement because every player is fit, and Xavi will field a solid eleven to maintain their momentum and place on the table. Espanyol will struggle to knock down Barcelona’s tenacious defence, which will be led by Araujo, Christensen, and Kounde. He may not be a particularly innovative player, but his moves on the field are enough to frustrate the opposition. While Espanyol is experiencing a poor season, with only two victories in 14 matches, and now stands in 16th position. Despite the club’s desire to sell him, De Jong has developed into an essential member of the squad, convincing Xavi that he must start every game and could be Busquets’ successor. Their most recent encounter saw the Catalans overcome Osasuna 2-1 thanks to an injury-time goal from Raphinha, earning them the top spot.

Ronald Araujo has finally been given the green light by the Barcelona medical department ahead of their La Liga encounter against RCD Espanyol on Saturday ...

Given the time that he has been out of action for, starting the Uruguayan without any match-practice might be imprudent, especially with a crucial match against Atletico Madrid coming up. Having needed to undergo surgery, Araujo was ruled out of action for around two to three months. Ronald Araujo has finally been given the green light by the Barcelona medical department ahead of their La Liga encounter against RCD Espanyol on Saturday afternoon.

La Liga leaders Barcelona will have Robert Lewandowski available for Saturday's clash with local rivals RCD Espanyol after his three match suspension was at ...

[House of Champions](https://link.chtbl.com/QueGolazo), a daily CBS Sports soccer podcast, bringing you top-notch analysis, commentary, picks and more. Leandro Cabrera is back from suspension and Martin Braithwaite could feature against his former club after his free transfer move. Franck Kessie and Sergi Roberto are both included while Alejandro Balde and Marcos Alonso could start at full back with Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia at the heart of the defense. He was shown a red card in the last game before the World Cup break, away to Osasuna. Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele are expected to start while Gavi could miss out on a starting berth if Frenkie de Jong starts. After getting booked twice in the first half, his side was left with ten men but still managed to win the game 2-1.

Barça return to action for the final match of 2022 looking to win the Derby and stay top of the table.

And three big points are on the line to stay ahead of Barça are almost inexplicably bad coming off an international break, but the availability of Lewandowski is a big boost. But the good news is that Robert Lewandowski’s ban has been lifted at least for this one, so having the world’s best goalscorer is an easy way to overcome a poor performance. These are strange circumstances, and on top of everything there is a Catalan Derby to play. They will make it really tough for Barça, and Xavi Hernández will need to come up with a strong gameplan to break down a stubborn Espanyol defense and find enough goals to win even if they’re not playing at their best, which is likely considering these unusual circumstances. They are also notoriously bad in the first game after an international break, but they’ve never had a seven-week international break before.

Barcelona will be eager to remain firmly atop La Liga when they welcome Espanyol to Camp Nou in Derbi Barceloni on Saturday.

- Barcelona have kept the highest number of clean sheets in the big five European leagues this season (11). Vinicius Souza and Sergi Darder should form the double pivot in the middle of the park. And the duo will look to keep things tight in the middle of the park. And Ferran Torres will likely spearhead the Barcelona attack against Espanyol in Robert Lewandowski’s absence. Benjamin Lecomte should take his spot between the sticks, with Espanyol lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him. Unlike his counterpart in the Barcelona dugout, Diego Martinez has some pressing issues to deal with ahead of the trip to Camp Nou. But the Barcelona captain should sit at the base of the midfield, with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri starting alongside him. And Jordi Alba will likely start as the left-back, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks. The curtains will fall on Matchday 15 of the 2022/23 La Liga season on Saturday, with three games scheduled. So Andreas Christensen should pair up with Eric Garcia at the heart of the Barcelona defence against Espanyol. Robert Lewandowski will be unavailable for the next three La Liga games due to a suspension. Barcelona clinched a 1-0 win over Espanyol in the corresponding fixture last season, with Memphis Depay scoring the only goal.

Sports Mole provides score predictions and previews for all of today's La Liga fixtures, including Barcelona vs. Espanyol.

[> Click here to read our full preview for this match](/football/real-sociedad/preview/preview-real-sociedad-vs-osasuna-prediction-team-news-lineups_502977.html) [Villarreal vs. Osasuna](/football/real-sociedad/preview/preview-real-sociedad-vs-osasuna-prediction-team-news-lineups_502977.html) (Saturday, 3.15pm) However, we are struggling to separate them here, as Valencia will be full of confidence following their success over Real Betis before the campaign was halted. This has all of the makings of a very interesting match between two impressive teams. A home victory to nil seems the most likely outcome on Saturday, as Barcelona should have too much for their rivals in this contest. Espanyol](/football/barcelona/barcelona-derby/preview/preview-barcelona-vs-espanyol-prediction-team-news-lineups_502987.html) (Saturday, 1.00pm)

Follow game Barcelona - Espanyol live coverage, stream information, score online, prediction, TV channel, lineups preview, start date and result updates of ...

WELCOME TO THE SPOTIFY CAMP NOU!!! After two long months, the Greatest Stadium on Earth finally opens its doors for a Barcelona men's match again as the ...

This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another. This should be fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Barça will play their first game after the World Cup and are looking for three big points to stay top of the table going into 2023, but it won’t be easy as Espanyol know how to make things tough in a derby.

Barcelona will look to continue where they left off as they resume their campaign with a derby against city rivals Espanyol on New Year's Eve.

Now, they have the opportunity to reclaim their two-point lead over Real Madrid with a victory here. The White and Blue are currently languishing in 16th place, having only managed two wins out of their 14 games so far. This is the first league game for both clubs in more than seven weeks hiatus due to the World Cup.

Where to watch Barcelona vs Espanyol La Liga game, plus kick-off time & team news.

Martin Braithwaite will be hoping to face the side he left on a free transfer in September. New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser. host city rivals [Espanyol](https://www.goal.com/en/team/espanyol/c8llrezkm3b3op4afrou6b487) at Camp Nou on Saturday. In India, the match can be watched on Sports18 and will be available for streaming on JioCinema. Viaplay Sports 2 and LaLigaTV will showcase Barcelona vs Espanyol on TV in the UK. [Barcelona](https://www.goal.com/en/team/barcelona/agh9ifb2mw3ivjusgedj7c3fe) will be looking for their sixth [La Liga](https://www.goal.com/en/primera-divisi%C3%B3n/34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t) win since the Clasico defeat to Real Madrid back in October, when [Robert Lewandowski](https://www.goal.com/en/player/r-lewandowski/afxjicw89683nlpms9yy5x51x) and co.

It's a different story for Xavi's side, who will finish the calendar year top of the tree if they continue their unbeaten streak against their city rivals, ...

15 Barcelona have had Robert Lewandowski declared available for the game, despite being sent off in Barcelona's last league game before the World Cup, against Osasuna. So, Espanyol have been told that any fans wearing club colours won't be allowed in the Camp Nou today. 6 4 3 1

LaLiga Santander is back after the World Cup break, and Barcelona are eager to regain top spot that they held prior to the Qatar tournament. Xavi Hern.

They linger just a place above the relegation zone and are under intense pressure to turn around their poor form. The Catalan coach will not have all of his World Cup stars available but he will be able to count on Robert Lewandowski after his suspension was momentarily overturned. A victory for the Catalans will put them back atop of LaLiga Santander after Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Valladolid on Friday.

Where to watch Barcelona vs Espanyol La Liga game, plus kick-off time & team news.

Martin Braithwaite will be hoping to face the side he left on a free transfer in September. New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser. host city rivals [Espanyol](https://www.goal.com/en/team/espanyol/c8llrezkm3b3op4afrou6b487) at Camp Nou on Saturday. In India, the match can be watched on Sports18 and will be available for streaming on JioCinema. Viaplay Sports 2 and LaLigaTV will showcase Barcelona vs Espanyol on TV in the UK. [Barcelona](https://www.goal.com/en/team/barcelona/agh9ifb2mw3ivjusgedj7c3fe) will be looking for their sixth [La Liga](https://www.goal.com/en/primera-divisi%C3%B3n/34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t) win since the Clasico defeat to Real Madrid back in October, when [Robert Lewandowski](https://www.goal.com/en/player/r-lewandowski/afxjicw89683nlpms9yy5x51x) and co.

Where to watch Barcelona vs Espanyol La Liga game, plus kick-off time & team news.

Martin Braithwaite will be hoping to face the side he left on a free transfer in September. New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser. host city rivals [Espanyol](https://www.goal.com/en/team/espanyol/c8llrezkm3b3op4afrou6b487) at Camp Nou on Saturday. In India, the match can be watched on Sports18 and will be available for streaming on JioCinema. Viaplay Sports 2 and LaLigaTV will showcase Barcelona vs Espanyol on TV in the UK. [Barcelona](https://www.goal.com/en/team/barcelona/agh9ifb2mw3ivjusgedj7c3fe) will be looking for their sixth [La Liga](https://www.goal.com/en/primera-divisi%C3%B3n/34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t) win since the Clasico defeat to Real Madrid back in October, when [Robert Lewandowski](https://www.goal.com/en/player/r-lewandowski/afxjicw89683nlpms9yy5x51x) and co.

Barcelona will look to continue where they left off as they resume their campaign with a derby against city rivals Espanyol on New Year's Eve.

Now, they have the opportunity to reclaim their two-point lead over Real Madrid with a victory here. The White and Blue are currently languishing in 16th place, having only managed two wins out of their 14 games so far. This is the first league game for both clubs in more than seven weeks hiatus due to the World Cup.

Get the latest Football updates on Eurosport. Catch FC Barcelona - RCD Espanyol live on 31/12/2022. Find scores, stats and comments in real time.

He was only given a yellow card a moment ago. A second yellow card. This was about complaining about where the wall was laced. De Souza gets a second yellow card and the other, a straight red, is for Cabrera for making contact with his boot on the prone Lewandowski. But another fine save from Fernandez. Christensen gets up to meet a corner with a firm downward header but the keeper dives to his right and pushes the effort away.

Barcelona and Espanyol played out a fierce 1-1 draw in a Catalan derby in which both teams finished with 10 men. Barca went ahead in the seventh minute ...

[Marc-Andre ter-Stegen](https://www.espn.com/football/player/_/id/140740/marc-andre-ter-stegen) from the penalty spot. [Alvaro Fernandez](https://www.espn.com/football/player/_/id/96060/alvaro-fernandez) saved brilliantly from the centre-back's header and foiled Lewandowski when the striker was one-on-one with the goalkeeper. [Andreas Christensen](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/186430/Andreas-Christensen) following a knockdown from Lewandowski. [Jordi Alba](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/121021/Jordi-Alba) and the Espanyol pair of [Vinicius Souza](https://www.espn.com/football/player/_/id/147021/vinicius-souza) and [Leandro Cabrera](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/133259/Leandro-Cabrera) in quick succession amid a flurry of cards -- before rescinding Cabrera's red after a VAR review. [Marcos Alonso](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/146127/Marcos-Alonso) header, before Espanyol pegged them back through a [Joselu](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/134939/Joselu) penalty in the 73rd minute. [Robert Lewandowski](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/125824/Robert-Lewandowski) had a three-match ban temporarily lifted for the clash at Camp Nou, a decision which Espanyol branded an "injustice."

Barcelona's first game after the World Cup and their last in 2022 ended with a 1-1 draw against Espanyol in a highly controversial Catalan Derby at Camp Nou ...

A point is enough to keep Barça top of the table, but after Barça were very apathetic to start the second half, not playing with the same urgency and intensity shown in the first 30 minutes and playing slow, predictable attacking football. Barça continued to attack and had at least three big opportunities before the 20th minute, but they were wasteful in front of goal and couldn’t find a second.

Barcelona vs Espanyol HIGHLIGHTS, La Liga HIGHLIGHTS, BAR vs ESP Highlights, Marcos Alonso, Joselu, Barcelona, Espanyol, Catalan Derby HIGHLIGHTS.

After a first half in which Barcelona spurned several chances, Alonso turned from hero to zero as he gave away a penalty following a clumsy foul on Joselu, who rolled his spot kick straight down the middle to make it 1-1 in the 73rd minute. Barcelona vs Espanyol HIGHLIGHTS: La Liga: BAR 0-0 ESP – The table-toppers in La Liga, Barcelona look to continue where they left off, as their campaign resumes once again. Barcelona vs Espanyol HIGHLIGHTS: FIESTY Catalan Derby ENDS in thrilling 1-1 draw, Cules END year on TOP of Table – Check Highlights

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona stumbled in its first game since a seven-week World Cup break when it was held 1-1 by Espanyol at Camp Nou in a heat...

Espanyol goalkeeper Álvaro Fernández, recalled by Martínez to the starting lineup for the first time since October, impressed with key saves down the final stretch. Joselu stepped up to the penalty spot and drilled his shot down the middle beyond Marc-Andre ter Stegen. They are generous in helping one another and stick to the plan even when things are not going our way. Espanyol criticized the decision, taken a day before the game, saying it caused “irreparable harm.” Barcelona was in control of the Spanish league match from the fourth minute after defender Marcos Alonso scored with a header. But dropping points at home against a side just one point above the relegation zone was not in coach Xavi Hernández’s plans.

The referee showed 15 yellow cards to players yesterday — plus Xavi — and sent off three, before overturning one of those red cards.

All three were loudly debated, especially a ‘foul’ by [Nelson Semedo](https://theathletic.com/football/player/nelson-semedo-blj7vYDL7QsMeuUz/) on [Kylian Mbappe](https://theathletic.com/football/player/kylian-mbappe-vqEQPtKAKLluodtc/) which caused widespread consternation. [Lionel Messi](https://theathletic.com/football/player/lionel-messi-HlEFpLdbHt68CnvJ/) that night. “But [FIFA](https://theathletic.com/football/international-football/) have to think about this. There is a widespread feeling in Spain that Mateu Lahoz enjoys being the protagonist and getting talked about. “There was a clear penalty against (Sergio) Aguero, and a red card which the Spanish referee did not whistle,” said Guardiola, who knew well who he was talking about but could not bring himself to utter the name. [Ferran Torres](https://theathletic.com/football/player/ferran-torres-5UzzIMcEmsNtgvsA/) was shown a very debatable yellow for angrily claiming a foul in the Espanyol penalty area. Both sets of players deserve criticism for that but Mateu Lahoz’s job as the referee should have been to impose control and try to restore a calmness to proceedings. Two minutes later, the usually mild-mannered [Pedri](https://theathletic.com/football/player/pedri-3g7COHNXo2cn0MN2/) was booked for disputing a foul near the halfway line, reacting with a smile of disbelief. Alba got involved in some needless off-the-ball messing, and then said something which presumably deserved punishment (although the referee did not detail what was said in his [official match report](http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa2?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=76878)). Vinicius Souza was perhaps the less-guilty party in the bout of handbags with Alba, but his foul to stop Pedri’s counter did deserve a second yellow. Mateu Lahoz saw a kick to the head and immediately flashed a straight red. The referee is a judge and cannot get nervous, and he does not.