The Derbi Barceloni is here, an often overlooked but still entertaining rivalry in Spain. Barcelona and their local rivals Espanyol have put on a number of entertaining matches over the years -- and now with the pair set to face off in three of their next four matches, we could really see them put each other to the test.
Barcelona vs. Espanyol 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
The Derbi Barceloni is back, and it should be a fun match.
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We all know how good Barcelona have been this year, but Espanyol have had some pretty great moments as well. They need more than moments, though, considering how most of their season has gone -- they sit in 13th place, and just six points clear of the relegation zone. Espanyol aren’t a team without talent, but they’ve had a lot of things go wrong this season -- but if things start to click, they have the ability to give Barcelona a bucketful of trouble.
Key player -- Neymar (Barcelona)
With so much focus placed on Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Neymar’s influence will be key, especially considering his jaw-dropping performance against Real Betis midweek. His ability to pop up anywhere in the final third virtually unannounced is lethal -- but not as lethal as what he does with the ball when he gets it after popping up. Neymar has been getting better and better this season, and now he’s on the edge of joining the elite of the elite in world football -- and this match could be a great chance to show off just how good he’s become.
Key matchup -- Alvaro Gonzalez (Espanyol) vs. Luis Suarez (Barcelona)
With Espanyol facing such a dynamic and dangerous attacking group, they need their best defender to step up in a big way. That defender is Gonzalez, and if anyone has even a remote chance of stopping Suarez one-on-one, it’ll be him. If he can keep Suarez contained on his own, it will take a lot of pressure off his fellow defenders in their efforts to keep the rest of Barcelona’s attack at bay. Of course, this is Luis Suarez we’re talking about -- stopping him one-on-one is easier said than done.
Espanyol injuries and suspensions
Out: Victor Sanchez, Jose Canas In doubt: Anaitz Arbilla
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Rafinha, Douglas Pereira
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Power8 Stadium, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. & Canada - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. & Canada - Spanish), Canal+ Liga/HD, Movistar TV Futbol (Spain)
Online: beIN Sports Connect, Fubo TV (U.S. & Canada)
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