FC Barcelona vs Espanyol predictions for this Liga Santander clash on Saturday at Camp Nou. Xavi Hernandez returns to Camp Nou as a coach, six years after his departure as a player. In his debut, his team, struggling to know what style of play they will adopt, will face an Espanyol team looking to capitalise. Read on for our free predictions and betting tips.
FC Barcelona
Xavi Hernandez arrives at Barça as Pep Guardiola arrived in 2008, as the saviour of a team going through a tough time. The difference is that Guardiola arrived at the beginning of the season with time to manage the squad and with a young Leo Messi, while Xavi arrives mid-season and with a much worse squad.
Of Barça’s 17 total points, 14 of them came at Camp Nou, which shows how strong they are at home. Furthermore, of the 19 total goals scored, 15 of them were also scored at home.
Barça’s defensive weakness will be Xavi’s biggest challenge, as they have conceded at least one goal in six consecutive league games.
Espanyol
Espanyol face one of their big rivals this week, and rarely has it been so evenly-matched as it is now.
Of Espanyol’s 17 total points, only three of them have come from away matches. In six away games, they have recorded three draws and three defeats. They are the third worst away team so far.
Espanyol have now gone 22 league games in a row without a win against Barça, comprising five draws and 17 defeat.
We think that Xavi’s arrival may have a big and immediate impact for this match. The week of international matches may have given him extra time to think about which tactics to employ in this match. They also face an Espanyol side who are not doing well away from home, in fact they have yet to win away from their stadium. We think Barça will win this match.