Jornada 36 LaLiga: Espanyol - Barcelona, Alineaciones Y Previa Del Partido

James

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Post on May 15, 2025

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Jornada 36 LaLiga: Espanyol vs. Barcelona – Alineaciones y Previa del Partido

The Catalan derby is back! This weekend, Espanyol and Barcelona clash in a crucial LaLiga Jornada 36 match, a fixture brimming with local pride and significant implications for both teams. This preview delves into the potential starting lineups, key player matchups, and the overall stakes of this highly anticipated encounter at the RCDE Stadium.

A Derby with High Stakes

While Barcelona have already secured the LaLiga title, this match is far from meaningless. For the Blaugrana, it's an opportunity to maintain momentum ahead of the Champions League and build further team cohesion. A strong performance and victory will boost morale before potentially challenging European competition. For Espanyol, fighting to avoid relegation, this match is a desperate battle for survival. Every point is crucial in their bid to climb out of the relegation zone. Expect a fiery atmosphere and a fiercely contested match from both sides.

Predicted Lineups:

Predicting exact lineups this close to matchday is always tricky, but based on recent form and injury reports, here are potential starting XIs:

RCD Espanyol (4-4-2): Álvaro Fernández; Oliván, Cabrera, Calero, Gil; Puado, Souza, Darder, Braithwaite; Joselu, Embarba.

FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Balde, Christensen, Araujo, Kounde; Pedri, De Jong, Gavi; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Dembélé.

Key Matchups to Watch:

• Joselu vs. Christensen: Espanyol's top scorer, Joselu, will pose a significant threat. Barcelona's Andreas Christensen will need to be at his best to contain the powerful striker. The battle between these two will be key to determining the outcome.

• Darder vs. Pedri: The midfield battle will be intense. Espanyol's captain, Sergi Darder, will be tasked with disrupting Barcelona's midfield playmakers, particularly Pedri. This clash of styles will be a fascinating encounter to observe.

• Raphinha vs. Oliván: Barcelona's Raphinha's pace and trickery will be a constant threat down the wing. Espanyol's left-back, Oliván, will have his work cut out defending against the Brazilian winger.

Tactical Considerations:

Espanyol will likely employ a defensive approach, aiming to frustrate Barcelona and hit them on the counter-attack. Their strategy will center around protecting their goal and utilizing Joselu's aerial ability to create scoring opportunities. Barcelona, on the other hand, will likely control possession and dominate the game through their superior midfield and attacking prowess. However, they cannot afford to be complacent against a desperate Espanyol side fighting for survival.

Prediction:

While Barcelona are the clear favorites, the intensity of a derby and Espanyol's desperation could make this a closer contest than many expect. We predict a Barcelona victory, but Espanyol will undoubtedly make it a challenging match.

Where to Watch:

Check your local listings for broadcast details. Many online streaming services will also carry the game.

This Catalan derby promises an exciting spectacle. Don't miss the action! Let us know your predictions in the comments below. What are your thoughts on the potential lineups and the outcome of the match?