FC Barcelona v Espanyol: match preview

Primera Divsion leaders Barcelona head into Sunday’s derby. They are playing against Espanyol with the title well in their grasp ahead of this penultimate round of the season.

FC Barcelona v Espanyol: match preview

Luis Enrique’s 23-time Spanish champions sit equal on points with second-placed Atletico Madrid. Atleti’s city rivals Real are just one point further back in third ahead of next weekend’s final round of matches.

The Spanish coach knows the title is very much within touching distance before the Barcelona v Espanyol clash. His side looks to extend their winning run to four matches. Relegated Levante host Atletico and Real take on Valencia tonight.

Luis Enrique knows the Barca supporters can boost his side’s possibilities if they turn up in style at the Nou Camp. He told the club’s official website fcbarcelona.com: “The Camp Nou will be packed for the game with Espanyol. The fans will be there for us because they know it’ll be a difficult game from start to finish.

“This is a very difficult and highly competitive league. All three of us are having great seasons. We’re setting a very high standard, and I don’t think any of us are going to give anything up.

“I never said we had won the league. We have to do our homework. What we have to do is win both matches, focus on our own football and deal with games.”

Sergio Busquets stressed the hosts require to keep fighting for points. They cannot reply on Champions League finalists Atletico or Real dropping any point with just six left to play for.

He said: “We know that neither Atletico or Real Madrid are going to slip up, so it all depends on us.”

Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who has played in all of 34 league matches this season, looks likely to be missing for Barcelona. He sustained a right calf strain towards the end of last Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Real Betis.