The hosts are currently top of the league standings with 85 points from 36 games, while their fierce rivals are 14th on the table with 40 points from 36 games.
A win for the league leaders will see them retain their position on the log, while a defeat can see them end the weekend in 3rd place. A win for the underdogs can see them climb to 11th place in the standings, while a defeat can leave them no lower than 15th place.
Barcelona holding on to leadAfter a shaky couple of weeks that saw them pick up only 1 of the available 12 points, Barcelona are back to their brilliant best, but have lost their margin for error. They are ahead of 2nd placed Athletico only on goal difference and will have to win both their remaining games to be sure of the title.
The title favorites, managed by Luis Enrique are in good form, with three wins and two defeats in their last five games in all competitions. These wins were consecutive league wins against Deportivo la Coruna (0-8 on April 20), Sporting Gijon (6-0 on April 23), and Real Betis (0-2 on April 30).
Last season’s treble holders however suffered recent defeats against Athletico Madrid in the Champions League (2-0 on April 13), and Valencia (1-2 on April 17).
Espanyol escape relegationEspanyol are almost mathematically safe from relegation this season, as they sit five points above the relegation zone with 2 games to go. However, the locals will want the team to play to their very best so as to attempt to ruin the title hopes of their fierce rivals Barcelona.
The underdogs, managed by Constantin Galca are in very poor form, with one win, one draw and three defeats in their last five games. This single win was against Sevilla in their most recent game (1-0 on May 5).
The Budgerigars, managed to draw their game against Celta Vigo (1-1 on April 19), but suffered defeats at the hands of Espanyol (1-3 on April 9), Levante (2-1 on April 15), and Las Palmas UD (4-0 on April 23).
Argentine forward Lionel Messi knows all about high pressure situations, and he will be looking to get his team the goals required to seal three points in this local derby. The current world footballer of the year has scored 25 goals in 31 league appearances this season. Young goalkeeper Pau Lopez will need a very commanding, man of the match performance, if he is to help his team get a positive result against arguably the best attack in world football.
Barcelona will like to keep their destiny in their hands by winning the remaining two matches, starting with this one. Local derby or not, very few teams can go to the Camp Nou and not get pummeled, and Espanyol isn’t one of those teams. Barcelona to win this game comfortably.