| Barcelona vs Espanyol | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Barcelona vs Espanyol
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COMPETITION :
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Premier League
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| DATE: |
04-01-2026
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TIME:
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01.30 AM IST
12.00 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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RCDE Stadium |
Espanyol will again have to cope without Roman Terrats, who remains sidelined with a muscular injury, while Charles Pickel is unavailable after joining the DR Congo squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
There is potential good news for the hosts in the form of Javi Puado, who could return to the matchday squad following a lengthy layoff due to a knee problem. However, the Spaniard is unlikely to be considered for a starting role, having not featured since October 5, as Espanyol ease him back into action.
No major surprises are expected in Espanyol’s starting XI on Saturday. Roberto Fernández should once again lead the line, while Pere Milla and Tyrhys Dolan are set to operate in the wide areas of a familiar 4-3-3 system.
Barcelona, meanwhile, welcome back Ronald Araújo to the first-team squad after the defender took time away from football to focus on his mental well-being.
The visitors will still be without Andreas Christensen and Gavi, both ruled out with knee injuries, but there is optimism surrounding the possible returns of Dani Olmo, who is recovering from a shoulder issue, and Pedri, who is battling a muscular problem.
If Pedri is deemed fit to start, Eric García could drop into central defence, allowing Fermín López, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha to form the attacking trio behind Ferran Torres. The Spanish forward has been in prolific form this season, already netting 11 goals in La Liga.
Shibu
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