Barcelona will host Espanyol at Camp Nou within the second match of the Spanish Cup. The first match of the confrontation, which was held at Periquitos’ field, ended in a 1:0 result in favor of the hosts, which became a real sensation. Now there is no doubt, that Ernesto Valverde’s team will do everything possible to get a persuasive revenge for the loss.
After 20 rounds played in Primera, Barcelona are situated on the first position in the peloton. Blaugranas have 54 points in the asset, which is 11 points more than the nearest chasers – Atletico Madrid. Barcelona won four times with one loss to Espanyol within the last five matches. The victories are registered over Levante, Celta, Real Sociedad and Betis. Barca are in a terrific shape, the Catalans are the main contenders not only for the crown in Spain, but for the victory in the Champions League as well.
Espanyol are also showing some quality football this season, not as good as Barca, of course, but still. The second team of Catalonia are situated on the 14th position in the table of the Spanish championship with 24 points in the asset, Espanyol are fighting for a position in the top-seven, i.e. for the Europa League spot. But Espanyol have one weak spot – away performance. The Periquitos managed to win only once within nine games of the 2017-18 Primera season.
Barca will not only get revenge for the loss to Espanyol in the upcoming game, but will do it extremely confidently. Espanyol look weak away, while Blaugranas play perfectly at their Camp Nou.
Prediction for the match: Barcelona to win with -2.5 Asian handicap
