La Liga leaders Barcelona will look to register their sixth consecutive victory in the competition when they face their local rivals Espanyol on Thursday.
Espanyol are struggling with their form in the competition. They are coming into this match on the back of a four-match winless run, with their latest defeat coming against 2-3 Leganes in a close fight. Los Periquitos are sitting at the 14th spot in the league standings.
On the other side, Barcelona made a grand recovery from their UEFA Champions League semi-final exit and thrashed 4-3 in their last outing on Sunday. This victory also marked their fourth consecutive victory against their archrivals this season. Having already secured a 7-point lead at the top of the La Liga table, Hansi Flick’s side is cruising to their 28th La Liga title.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Espanyol vs. Barcelona live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match in the U.S.:
- TV channel: ESPN Deportes
- Live stream: ESPN+, Fubo
This game is available for live TV broadcast in the United States on ESPN Deportes. Streaming options are available on ESPN+ and Fubo.
You can get an ESPN+ subscription for $11.99 per month or purchase an annual plan for $119.99 per year, a $24 savings. Stream your favorite teams live and enjoy more sports anywhere with an ESPN+ subscription.
What time does Espanyol vs. Barcelona kick off?
This La Liga clash takes place at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, Spain and kicks off on Thursday, May 15 at 9:30 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Thu, May 15 | 3:30 p.m. |
| Central Time | Thu, May 15 | 2:30 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Thu, May 15 | 1:30 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Thu, May 15 | 12:30 p.m. |
Espanyol vs. Barcelona predicted lineups, team news
Gonzalez boasts a largely clean bill of health, with late checks needed on defender Brian Olivan and midfielder Pol Lozano.
The Espanyol boss’ big decision comes in terms of team shape. The switch to a back five is likely to be ditched after Leganes raced into a 3-0 lead at the weekend.
Espanyol predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): J. Garcia (GK) — El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero — Lozano, U. Gonzalez — Carreras, Exposito, R. Fernandez — Puado.
Injured: Brian Olivan (doubt), Pol Lozano (doubt)
Suspended: None
Inigo Martinez‘s yellow card against Real Madrid means he is suspended for the trip to Estadi Cornella-El Prat. Martinez’s regular centre-back partner Pau Cubarsi suffered a stomach injury in the match and faces a late fitness test.
Alejandro Balde was back in action from the bench in El Clasico after a month on the sidelines, although Gerard Martin‘s fine form in his absence at left-back means there is no need to rush the Spain international.
Jules Kounde remains sidelined, so Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen could also start in the back four, with such wholesale changes in personnel a potential weakness given how well-drilled Flick needs his high defensive line to be.
At the other end of the field, Robert Lewandowski should be ready to return to the first XI in place of Ferran Torres.
Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Szczesny (GK) — E. Garcia, Araujo, Christensen, Balde — De Jong, Pedri — Lamine Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha — F. Torres.
Injured: Curbasi (stomach, doubt) Kounde (foot), Bernal (ACL), Casado (knee), Torre (knee).
Suspended: I. Martinez.
La Liga fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Thursday, May 15
- Osasuna vs. Atletico Madrid (1:00 p.m.)
- Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Betis (1:00 p.m.)
- Espanyol vs. Barcelona (3:30 p.m.)
- Getafe vs. Athletic Bilbao (3:30 p.m.)
Sunday, May 18
- Atletico Madrid vs. Real Betis (1:00 p.m.)
- Barcelona vs. Villareal (1:00 p.m.)
- Celta Vigo vs. Rayo Vallecano (1:00 p.m.)
- Las Palmas vs. Leganes (1:00 p.m.)
- Osasuna vs. Espanyol (1:00 p.m.)
- Real Mallorca vs. Getafe (1:00 p.m.)
- Real Sociedad vs. Girona (1:00 p.m.)
- Real Valladolid vs. Alaves (1:00 p.m.)
- Sevilla vs. Real Madrid (1:00 p.m.)
- Valencia vs. Athletic Bilbao (1:00 p.m.)
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