Camp Nou hosts the latest edition of this local rivalry and we are backing the La Liga champions to record a convincing victory over their neighbours
Barcelona look to extend their lead at the top of the La Liga table with a win over Espanyol in the Catalan Derby on Saturday afternoon.
Ernesto Valverde's side are unbeaten in their last 16 Primera Division games, of which they have won 13, and the Blaugrana begin the weekend ten points clear of their nearest rivals.
Espanyol meanwhile have managed to put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone, although Los Pericos have the fifth-worst defensive record in the division.
The Blaugrana have not lost a home game against their cross-city rivals in La Liga in over ten years and earlier this season won 4-0 at Espanyol. A home win is priced at 1/8 (1.13) by bet365, with the visitors offered at 12/1 (13.00) and the draw 13/2 (7.50).
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Lionel Messi only played one of Argentina's two scheduled matches thanks to a groin injury, although he should be available here. Luis Suarez picked up an ankle injury before the international break and could miss out. Ousmane Dembele remains sidelined.
Espanyol have full-back Didac Vila and midfielder Sergi Darder suspended, while forwards Pablo Piatti and Sergio Garcia are injured.
No team has won fewer away games this season in La Liga than Espanyol, with their solitary victory on the road coming at bottom club Huesca back in October.
Barca, meanwhile, have the most prolific home record in the division having netted 42 goals in 14 home matches. Despite their injury concerns up front, they should still be able to record a heavy win against their rivals.
The last five league Catalan Derbies have seen Barcelona record five wins, scoring 21 goals and conceding just once, and their dominance in this fixture is likely to continue this weekend.
The hosts are offered at 6/5 (2.20) to win with a -2 handicap and this looks like a strong way to back a Barca victory. This bet has paid out in each of the last five league meetings and given the respective sides' goal records this term, a repeat looks likely.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Kohmarz
42
Love to see an hatrick again