Xavi is set to make his debut as Barcelona's manager this weekend as the Blaugrana lock horns with arch-rivals Espanyol in the Catalan derby at the Camp Nou on Saturday.
Barcelona have struggled in La Liga under Ronald Koeman and have shockingly managed only two points in their last four league games. The Catalan giants are in desperate need of a shot in the arm and have a point to prove going into this game.
Espanyol, on the other hand, have been inconsistent this season and are in 11th place in the La Liga standings. The newly-promoted outfit eased past Granada by a 2-0 margin earlier this month and will want a similar result against their cross-city rivals in this fixture.
Barcelona have been shockingly poor in La Liga this season and cannot afford to miss out on a top-four finish. With Xavi at the helm, the Catalan giants will look to begin their new era by making a statement of intent this weekend.
Espanyol have struggled against Barcelona in the past and will need to work hard to trouble their opponents on Saturday. Barcelona are the better team on paper and hold the upper hand going into this game.
Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Espanyol
Tip 1 - Result: Barcelona
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5 - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Memphis Depay to score anytime: YES
Tip 4 - Bold prediction: Espanyol to win