Barcelona vs Espanyol
20 November 2000hrs
Football – Spain – La Liga
Pick Barcelona win to nil
Bookmaker Boylesports
Odds: 4/5 odds taken 2000 GMT, Wednesday 17 November
It’s somewhat fitting that the first time Xavi takes charge of Barcelona is in a derby game against local rivals Espanyol. Both teams are level on points.
Table of Contents
Barcelona Preview – Can Xavi get off to a winning start on his return to the Nou Camp?
There was little doubt that it would happen one day but the timing is probably not what most would have expected. Following Ronald Koeman’s inevitable sacking, Barca turned to one of their most successful ever players to try and lead them to a new era which will be just as productive. It seems a long way off for a team who are in ninth place in La Liga and won just a third of their 12 league matches.
Xavi returns to the Nou Camp following a trophy-laden spell in Qatar, initially as a player and then more recently as coach of Al Sadd. The man who played a huge part in four Champions League successes and eight La Liga title wins in his playing career, knows what it takes to win at this club.
The last straw for Koeman at Barcelona was a 1-0 loss away to Rayo Vallecano which came on the heels of losing the first El Clasico of the season. They probably should have won La Liga last season but the absence of Messi this time around has seen them plummet down the table and change was needed.
There’s no shortage of young talent in this squad but it does lack experience and quality in certain areas, particularly in attack. The club will have the services of Ansu Fait, Gavi and Pedri for years to come but they are going to need help in the short-term.
Espanyol Preview – Could Espanyol pick up their first away win at the home of their biggest rivals?
Espanyol are used to being in the shadows of their towering neighbours but they come into this derby game on level terms with Barca. Having won promotion to La Liga last season and they are equipping themselves well on their return. Vicente Moreno will be happy with his team’s current placing as well as relishing the opportunity to go above Saturday’s opponents. At the same time spoiling Xavi’s return.
If they are to do that then Espanyol will have to win at the Nou Camp in the league for the first time since 2009.
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Their form away from home this season is pretty dire. Six games played and they are still in search of a first victory. The highlight on the road has been a 2-2 draw against Real Betis – one of three points they have accumulated on their travels.
If they are to pick up that first away win then it’s likely top scorer Raul de Tomas will have a big say in matters. Seven goals in 13 La Liga matches was rewarded with his first call up to the Spanish national team where he started both games against Greece and Sweden – resulting in Luis Enrique’s team qualifying for the World Cup.
Barcelona vs Espanyol Betting Advice
It would be foolish to think that Barca will be transformed under Xavi this early into his reign as it’s still the same group of players. What will be different is the mood around the club. His appointment brings hope and optimism and that’s what the visitors will have to be mindful of.
Espanyol have not won here in La Liga in over a decade so everything does seem set up for a home victory considering their struggles on the road this season
Key Facts – Barcelona vs Espanyol Betting Tip
- Barcelona have not won any of their last four in La Liga
- Espanyol are one of five teams still looking for their first away win in the league this season
- The visitors will be looking for in-form striker RDT to lead them to a first league win at the Nou Camp since 2009
Back the home team to win without conceding.
Best Betting Odds for Barcelona vs Espanyol
