Espanyol vs Barcelona prediction (1x2)

Barca are massive favourites, but we see the value in backing a low-scoring contest here. The main reasoning lies in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey ambitions and in Espanyol’s decent defensive performances in last two cup clashes with Blaugrana.As for Espanyol, it is worth noting they’ve responded to that victory over Barcelona by losing all of their three matches since. That includes a 3-0 home defeat to Sevilla in La Liga and sitting down in 14th place, they aren’t exactly having a great season overall. Their league record against their city rivals is also dreadful so it’s hard to look past the visitors here.