Luis suarez
Luis Suarez scored his 35th league goal of the season for Barcelona in the 2-0 win over Real Betis Getty

La Liga leaders Barcelona cannot afford to slip up when they host local rivals Espanyol at Camp Nou on 8 May.

Where to watch live

Kick-off is set for 4pm BST. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 2 HD.

Overview

Goals from Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez gave Barcelona a 2-0 win at Real Betis on 30 April and brought them a step closer to the La Liga title. The Catalan giants have won their last three league matches with an aggregate score of 16-0.

Luis Enrique has no fresh injury concerns. Defenders Thomas Vermaelen (calf) and Jeremy Mathieu (knee) remain sidelined through injury.

Espanyol ended a five-game winless run in the league by beating Sevilla 1-0 at home, with Felipe Caicedo scoring the winner. The Catalans have lost eight of their last nine meetings with Barcelona across all competitions.

Ruben Duarte is racing to recover from a bruised knee and is a doubt for the visitors but fellow defender Rober (hip) should feature.

What managers say

Luis Enrique: "It's a very competitive league and I think the three candidates are all very strong. We are all having a great season, all playing well. I don't think anyone will slip up. We must do our own work, we depend on ourselves. I am sure that against Espanyol the Camp Nou will be packed. I would like to win all games 8-0, but it is not possible. To win a league is very difficult. We never said we had won this league."

Constantin Galca: "What matters the most is the fans, we all go home with a smile [after the win against Sevilla]. We have had a very difficult season and people have been on our side. I'm very happy. We are all very happy. It must be recognized that there was a lot of pressure, but we have handled it well."

Form guide

  • Barcelona (all competitions): WWWLL
  • Last result: Real Betis 0-2 Barcelona
  • Espanyol: WLDLL
  • Last result: Espanyol 1-0 Sevilla

Betting odds (Betfair)

  • Barcelona win: 1/33
  • Draw: 18/1
  • Espanyol win: 40/1

Team news

Barcelona possible XI: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar

Espanyol possible XI: Pau Lopez; Rober, Gonzalez, Roco, R Duarte; Sanchez, O Duarte, Diop; Perez, Caicedo, Asensio

Barcelona